MITHALI WANTS WOMEN’S IPL
Team India skipper feels time is ripe for BCCI to launch franchisee-based league
London, July 23: India captain Mithali Raj said now was time to “create the base” of a female equivalent to the Indian Premier League after her side’s hopes of Women’s World Cup final glory were snatched away by England at Lord’s.
“They should have (women’s) IPL because now is the right time to create that base,” Mithali said.
“These girls have really set the platform for the upcoming generations in India. They've opened up the channels for women’s cricket and they should be really proud of themselves. I have seen the changes the girls have made,” Mithali said.
The 34-year-old admitted her team failed to hold its nerve. “Everybody was very nervous and I think that resulted in our defeat. It’s about experience and about how composed we are in the situation. The girls weren’t experienced enough to do that, but the way they have fought through the tournament is heartwarming,” said Raj.
“The India women’s team has a bright future, we have very talented girls it’s just a matter of calculations, keeping your cool in the middle,” she added.
“Thank you to the crowd for turning up for a women's cricket final. This is a huge boost for all the women cricketers. I'm sure this experience will help the players. Now, people back home will have a different perspective about women’s cricket,” Mithali said. — Agencies