Players raring to go

(pic in photo manager of 04/08/20)

Slug: Women’s T20 Challenge

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 11

Wicketkeeper of the Indian women’s cricket team, Taniya Bhatia, welcomed the the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI’s) decision to conduct Women’s T20 Challenge and termed it as an important step to get a full-fledged Women’s IPL in near future.

The BCCI had decided to host third edition of the Women’s T20 Challenge in the United Arab Emirates from November 1 to 10.

“Cricket is back again. This event is important considering the ODI World Cup in February-March (2021),” said Bhatia.

“We had played a couple of games under the lights in 2018 in the presence of 15,000 spectators. I am happy that the BCCI has finalised to conduct the T20 Challenge,” she said.

Though the BCCI was criticised for withdrawing the women’s team from tri-series scheduled to be held in England in September.

“In these difficult times when everything is at halt, the BCCI has given us a ray of hope,” she said and added, “I focused on improving my fitness during the lockdown, but now I will opt for solo practice hours, especially in nets.”

Amanjot Kaur, who captained Chandigarh in the U-23 T20 Trophy and got a call for India-A, said, “I welcome the decision. It will boost morale of players. Lack of tournaments and practice has affected our plans. I hope more youngsters will get a chance in this Challenger Trophy and it becomes a full-fledged tournament.”

Nagesh Gupta, coach, UT Sports Department, said, “This is a much needed relief for players as all of them were out of action. Before the pandemic, it was announced that the Women’s T20 Challenge will have four teams. It will be interesting to see how many players get a chance to play.”

However, in the BBCI’s meeting it was decided that the tournament would feature three teams and four matches. Players would reach the UAE in third or fourth week of October.