Australian cricket star Alyssa Healy has thrown her weight behind the idea of Indian players featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL), highlighting the unparalleled craze they could bring to the competition. With Indian cricket’s ever-growing global influence, Healy believes that having top Indian players in the BBL would do wonders to the league.
Healy expressed her enthusiasm for the prospect of Indian cricketers playing in Australia’s premier T20 league, underscoring the impact their presence could have on the competition. Through her words, it is much acknowledged that the cricketers carry massive fanbase across the globe, including in Australia, and how their participation could elevate the league’s stature both commercially and competitively.
Speaking on the potential of such a move, the wicket-keeper batter said, “I hope one day we can attract these guys (Indian cricketers in the league). Imagine someone like a Rohit Sharma coming down to play in the BBL. The amount of support they get down here in the country – it would only do wonders for our competition.”
As it is not mandated by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to allow current players to participate in overseas leagues, a few policies remain strict, it remains intriguing to see whether they will be permitted to join the ever-expanding franchise-based cricketing ecosystem.
On the other hand, several female Indian cricketers have already made their mark in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Stars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana have been part of the league, showcasing their talent on Australian soil and drawing significant fan engagement. Their participation has not only strengthened the competitive landscape of the WBBL but also highlighted the potential impact of Indian players in overseas leagues.
In another part of the exclusive podcast with The Willow, the 35-year-old was also asked to share her opinion on the cricketing battle between her husband Mitchell Starc and Travis Head in franchise-based cricket.
Healy couldn’t help but acknowledge the ongoing battle between Starc and Head, a fascinating subplot in Australian cricket. With Starc consistently getting the better of his compatriot, it has almost become an unwritten rule that Head will struggle against the left-arm pacer.
The contest adds an extra layer of intrigue whenever they face off, as Starc’s sharp pace and movement continue to trouble Head, making it a matchup that fans have come to expect with great anticipation. In the ongoing eighteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the sturdy pacer again induced an edge of Head’s glove in Match No. 10 of the competition.
She said, “Mitchell knows it well and keeps reminding Travis about it as well, and it has also taken up a place in his head. Normally, Travis faces the first ball, but every time Starc opens the innings with the ball, he doesn’t face him.”
She shared that Mitchell eventually sticks to him and says, “You have to come down here eventually mate.”
“As a batter, I know exactly he gets me out, so you try and avoid him where possible,” she added.
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