28th July was special. ICC reported and reminded enthusiasts that two years remain for women’s cricket to make a debut at Commonwealth games. 2022 Commonwealth Games will initiate reintroduction of cricket as an eight-team women’s competition.
The mega-event is slated two years in Birmingham. Interestingly, the Commonwealth game will be the most recent installment in major global sporting events in England. These include the London Olympics 2012, the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. Ian Reid, chief executive officer for Birmingham 2022, in a statement on 28 July said: “Today marks exactly two years to go until the official opening ceremony for Birmingham 2022 and we’re on track with our plans to host a spectacular event which will not only put Birmingham and the West Midlands center stage but will also be an integral part of the region’s recovery plan following the global pandemic, bringing jobs for local people and contracts for local businesses”.
The president of CWG federation assured that preparations for the tournament are coming smoothly. Dame Louise Martin said “Today marks two years to go to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,” she said.
“It only feels like yesterday that the Commonwealth Games Federation awarded the city the right to stage the XXII edition of the competition, when in reality, that announcement was back in December 2017!”.
She added that “Birmingham and the West Midlands are making excellent progress towards staging a fantastic competition for athletes, fans and spectators, alike, across the Commonwealth.” It is being speculated that cricket bringing cricket to a global event shall add momentum to the growing popularity of women’s games throughout the world.
Manu Sawhney, while announcing the inclusion earlier said: “Women’s cricket continues to go from strength to strength, and we are delighted and honored the Commonwealth Games Associations voted to include Women’s T20 cricket at Birmingham 2022”.
He added that “Fast and exciting, the T20 format is the perfect fit for the Commonwealth Games and offers another chance to showcase women’s cricket on the global stage as part of our ambitious plans to accelerate the growth of the game, whilst inspiring the next generation of cricketers.”
Cricket and Commonwealths are expected to assist each other in their strongholds. Women Cricket will look to gain the benefit of the event and reach newer grounds smashing old orthodoxies.
A student who enjoys studying cricket more than anything else, keen to learn the insights of the women’s game.