The decision from the Board for Control of Cricket in India to withdraw the Indian women’s side from Tri-series in England seems to have invited a lot of criticism from throughout the world. We have reported similar incidents in the past. This time, however, Shantha Rangaswamy has opened up about the withdrawal and said that this was not a case of negligence as media js widely reporting.
Shantha Rangaswamy is a member of the Apex Council. Her reply was directed towards people who were doubting the commitment of the Board on women’s cricket. In a chat with ESPN Cricinfo, she further said that “It is not a case of neglect. You need at least six weeks to be match fit and with the COVID-19 affecting most parts of the country, is it possible to organize a training camp right away? Then you would also have 14-day quarantine England”.
It has to be noted that exhibition games that happen alongside IPL are unlikely to take place. These updates have given air to claims that BCCI is not giving equal consideration to women as compared to their male counterparts. There are concerns, as reported by us, on whether the side will get enough practice before the world cup in 2021.
Rangaswamy commentated on the break and said that “There was just not enough time to make it happen. COVID-19 has hurt world cricket, more so women’s cricket. We have gone back a couple of years after a record attendance for the T20 World Cup final at MCG in March. It is sad and an anti-climax”.
On the reports of IPL clashing WBBL, she said that “It looks like even nature is conspiring against women’s cricket. Last year, a third team was added to the IPL Women’s Challenge, this year it was supposed to be four. Now the shift of venue, more importantly, it is clashing with the Women’s Big Bash, which was already scheduled. Let’s see what the IPL Governing Council decides”.
Shantha Rangaswamy (Former India Cricketer and Apex Council member) said the BCCI’s commitment towards the game should not be judged in the current climate.
Source: @sportstarweb pic.twitter.com/LKbzp5lMsh— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 27, 2020
She further added that “Going to England was more important than the IPL exhibition games. England tour would have been ideal preparation for the World Cup”.
There is nothing but uncertainty in Women’s cricket in India. There is an absence of selectors and withdrawal of important tours adds no good points. Rangaswamy importantly mentions that commitment of the board should not be judged in the current light where the normalcy ceases to exist.
She said: “The post-COVID-19 scenario will be a testimony to their commitment to women’s cricket. People doubting BCCI’s intentions will have to wait for things to be normal before passing their judgment. The situation was not in their control on this occasion. The late announcement on the men’s T20 World Cup postponement has also given the BCCI little time to prepare for the IPL”.
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