The fact that BCCI withdraws the women’s national team from a series of three in England is not a case of negligence, Apex Council member Shantha Rangaswamy said Monday, urging those who doubt the board’s commitment to wait for normality before making judgments.
BCCI’s decision not to send the team to the triple series involving England and South Africa amid the COVID-19 pandemic has raised some doubts as it prepares to host the IPL in the United Arab Emirates in September -November. But former captain Rangaswamy rejected the criticism.
“It is not a case of negligence. You need at least six weeks to get in shape, and with COVID-19 affecting most of the country, is it possible to organize a training camp right away? Then you would also have 14 days of quarantine in England, “he told PTI.
Even the women’s exhibition games that take place during the IPL are unlikely, giving credence to the view that the BCCI does not take women’s cricket seriously. There is also a possibility that India may not have enough playing time before the ODI World Cup in New Zealand in February-March.
“There just wasn’t enough time for it to happen. COVID-19 has damaged world cricket, even more so women’s cricket. We have returned a couple of years after record attendance for the T20 World Cup Final at MCG in March. It’s sad and an anti-climax. ”
The IPL, scheduled for September 19 and November 8, is also in conflict with the women’s Big Bash in Australia, where three or four Indian players are expected to participate.
Women’s exhibition games are generally scheduled during the IPL play-offs, but with the tournament held in the UAE and the conflicting dates with WBBL, it is unlikely to take place.
“It seems that even nature is conspiring against the cricket of women. Last year, a third team was added to the IPL Women’s Challenge, this year there were supposed to be four.
“Now, the change of venue, more importantly, is in conflict with the Big Bash for Women, which was already scheduled. Let’s see what the IPL Governing Council decides,” said Rangaswamy.
“Going to England was more important than IPL exhibition games. The tour of England would have been the ideal preparation for the World Cup. ”
With no selectors in place and no organized tour, women’s cricket faces uncertain times after making big profits in the past three years.
Rangaswamy said BCCI’s commitment to the game should not be judged in the current climate.
“The post-COVID-19 setting will be a testament to his commitment to women’s cricket. People who doubt BCCI’s intentions will have to wait for things to be normal before passing judgment. The situation was not under his control this time.
“The belated announcement about the postponement of the men’s T20 World Cup has also given BCCI little time to prepare for the IPL,” he added.
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