Women’s IPL has, undoubtedly, been the talk of the town for women cricketers. While fans wait for the action to begin, players too are on the same boat. In recent reports, Sophie Ecclestone has expressed her desire to be part of the tournament but has added that she still awaits confirmation from BCCI.
While six of her teammates have flown to Australia for their two-week quarantine prior to the Women’s Big Bash League, Sophie was not one amongst them. The left-arm spinning sensation is expected to feature in Women’s T20 Challenge which is reported to be held in the first week of November. Sophie says that “I’m really hoping to be involved in it”.
She added that “I don’t think we know exactly what’s going on yet, or exactly when it’s going to be – I think it might follow the men’s – but a few of us would definitely be really interested in going if it did come up”.
It is important to note that Sophie, at this time, is one of the highest-ranked bowlers in the shortest format of the game. In fact, she is ranked one in ICC rankings. Her presence will help T20 Challenge gain a new dose of competitiveness with the best in the world showing their class. A mass, on a break from the IPL extravaganza, will need nothing more. England, in the previous season, saw three of its greats namely Danny Wyatt, Nat Sciver, and Sophie Ecclestone take part in the Indian domestic league.
This time, however, the pandemic has given a blow to normals of the past, and IPL along with Women’s IPL are taking place in the UAE. Sophie clearly mentions that BCCI has a very “last-minute” way of handling things and she was still awaiting an email. In the previous edition, she was impressive with the ball in her two outings.
The biggest cricketing board needs to ensure that Women’s Cricket is not transformed into a sport of uncertainties. While fans wait for details on the tournament, players are awaiting instructions. Sophie with her skillset and experience might bring a huge upgrade to the games and younger players around her as well. Last-moment actions are only good for final overs and not when International stars are being dealt with.
A student who enjoys studying cricket more than anything else, keen to learn the insights of the women’s game.