Former Indian women’s team captain Anjum Chopra firmly believes that BCCI has a plan for women’s cricket, but wants the Board to communicate its ideas more specifically.
Speaking to PTI, Chopra, which is now a successful broadcaster, said the BCCI is seriously considering the progress of women’s cricket. “It’s not that the BCCI isn’t thinking about women’s cricket.” I just think they need to be more specific in communicating about women’s cricket, “Chopra told PTI.
“I firmly believe that they should be thinking about women’s cricket, but communication throughout this time has been very specific to men’s cricket.”
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The latest trigger for criticism of the BCCI was India’s withdrawal from a tour of England in September due to logistical problems stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chopra acknowledges that “it was not pleasant”, but the participation of Indian players in the women’s IPL in November will continue to be useful preparation for next year’s ODI World Cup. “It is encouraging to see women’s cricket in the headlines. They should have been part of that tour of England and it didn’t feel right initially, but the women’s IPL, regardless of format, will be helpful in preparing for the World Cup. Any form of cricket is good preparation, ”said Chopra.
“Losing a tournament is not good, but logistically there can be problems. And you can’t send a poorly prepared team. ”
“If you look in isolation, we may have missed the opportunity to play in England.” The more girls play, the better it will be, before playing a tournament of the stature of the World Cup. The President’s guarantee is a very good thing. ”
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Chopra welcomed the BCCI decision led by Sourav Ganguly to host the women’s event in the UAE alongside the IPL, which will run from September 19 to November 10. The women’s IPL will coincide with the commercial purpose of the men’s league.
“I am definitely happy, it is always good to be part of any cricket anywhere in the world. They should have approached the final stages of preparation for the World Cup, but due to the pandemic, things did not go as planned,” added.
Chopra had a successful international career spanning over 17 years, during which she represented India in a record six World Cups and became the first woman to cricket in 100 one-day Internationals. He also felt that the pandemic would not have much impact on the women’s game that has gained momentum in recent times.
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“… Cricket was on the pause button … Once cricket is resumed and the players are back in the park, everything will be picked up. It could take some time to start, as everything starts from scratch … ”
“The consciousness that the women’s game has created, I hope will continue. They will just restart, they won’t start after the pandemic.”
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.