BCCI is testing waters, women players ready to put on a T20 show

MUMBAI: In a bid to promote women’s cricket, the BCCI will be hosting a one-off T20 exhibition match on Tuesday at the Wankhede involving some of the best women players from around the world.

The Women’s T20 Challenge is being played to test waters for a prospective T20 league in India involving women stars.

Naturally, the importance is not lost on the players involved.

Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana will lead the two sides which will feature internationals from India, Australia, New Zealand and England.

“It is exciting for all of us to be playing this match. It is a stepping stone to IPL. Hopefully, we will put up a good show and the audience and BCCI will think of having a (women’s) IPL,” said Smriti on the sidelines of her team’s practice session at the Cricket Club of India on Monday.

“When I played the Women’s Big Bash League, I was asked when the IPL was starting and I had no answer . Everyone wants to put up a good show and bring women’s cricket to the world,” she said.

While opinion is divided whether India is ready for a women’s T20 league, Harmanpreet feels there is enough talent.

“We have 20 girls who are representing India, be it T20, 50 overs, and there is an ‘A’ team. We do have 30-35 girls.

“Everything depends on tomorrow’s (Tuesday) match and the response from the public. If it is good, BCCI is keen to have a T20 tournament from next year,” she said.