Women Cricket yet not prepared for IPL-like events: Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj put an end to the speculations over an IPL-like event for women and said that it would only make sense when the BCCI has a competitive ‘domestic setup’.

Stating that the time is not ripe women IPL, Mithali Raj said, “I think it is very necessary to have a pool of players who can play IPL kind of league.”

“Once we have enough players, then only it would be wise to think about it. There is a huge difference between an international player and a domestic player,” she said.

She also said that ideas of such leagues at this point of time might affect the women’s cricket adversely. The skipper asserted that India-A team will take some more years to build.

“We have just started-off forming India-A team. It would take a couple of years more to get it in place.”

“We have some young and talented players, but they need exposure. I am quite sure that in a year or two we will have a better second-string side. We need to invest in budding talents like Pooka Vastrakar, Jemimah Rodrigues and Tanya Bhatia,” she said.

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BCCI Contract to women cricketers:

BCCI received a backlash on social media over the disparity of the amount paid to the male and female players. However, Mithali Raj called the contract given to 19 women cricketers a great beginning.

“BCCI has made a great decision. When you have the contract, players try and invest more in the game. They would know that they would be rewarded for their best performances,” Mithali Raj said.

“It also means that each time you step into the ground, you enter as a professional. We have a lot of players who come from interiors of India and are not financially strong. With the contract in place, every cricketer can hope to play for their nation and get rewarded,” she added.

Jhulan Goswami agreed with Skipper Mithali Raj and confirmed her recovery from the foot injury ahead of the triangular series against Australia and England.