The third edition of IPL Women’s Challenge is just a couple of weeks away now, with the tournament set to kick off from the 4th of November. This season of WIPL will be its first outside India and will see a repeat of last year’s format. The three teams – Supernovas, Trailblazers and Velocity, will play in 3 group stage matches followed by the Finals.
WIPL will play host to 12 overseas players, with two from neighboring Bangladesh – Salma Khatun and Jahanara Alam. They expressed excitement and their big plans for the WIPL in an interview with Bangladeshi outlet, The Independent.
Selected in the WIPL for the first time, Salma Khatun said, “I am happy to get a chance in the IPL, and I feel lucky to play in such a big event. So I will try to show my performance. The IPL is a big platform, I don’t think everyone has the good fortune to play here.”
The 30-year old offie will be making her debut in this showcase tournament when she dons the pinks of Trailblazers. One of the first two teams of the WIPL, Trailblazers will be led by a superstar of international cricket – Smriti Mandhana.
Salma went on to add, “I am very lucky in this regard. This kind of platform is an opportunity to compete with many of the best, world winners in the world. There is an opportunity to share the dressing room with them. I hope I can gain this experience from there and come to the country and share it with my teammates.”
Salma’s compatriot, Jahanara Alam, will play in her second Women’s T20 Challenge. Like last season, she will be a vital part in the bowling setup for last season’s finalists, Velocity. Led by Mithali Raj, Velocity will play in the opener of WIPL against defending champions, Supernovas, in a repeat of last year’s finals. Jahanara Alam said, “I am going to play IPL for the second time. And I’m so glad I got the chance to play for Velocity again.”
The fast-bowler added, “This time I will try to use the experience of the last time. And I will try to contribute to the victory of the team with my own.” Having not played any cricket since the T20 World Cup, the Bangladeshi girls would probably be slightly rusty with their skill-sets. However, Alam remained optimistic.
“The preparation has been much better. The opportunity that the BCB has given us in the current situation is really good. They have provided two floodlight practice sessions. They gave us coaches. I have got the opportunity to work with Mahbub Ali Jaki Sir. I hope I can apply it appropriately in the main match of IPL.”
The duo has made the trip to UAE, where they will join forces with their teammates. The girls were tested for COVID-19 and made the trip only after testing returned negative for the virus. The 5-day long tournament will culminate in the finals on 9th November.
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