It’s fantastic that women’s cricket will return to the Commonwealth Games, exclaims Jacques Kallis

It’s fantastic that women’s cricket will return to the Commonwealth Games, exclaims Jacques Kallis

no photo

|

Getty

Jacques Kallis was elated on hearing that women’s T20 cricket will be a part of the Commonwealth Games to be held in England in 2022 after the decision was taken by the Commonwealth Games Federation. Kallis also reminisced about his country’s triumphant campaign in the games in 1998.

In an executive board meeting of the Commonwealth Games Federation last month, the members had nominated women’s T20I cricket as one of the events that would be a part of the 22nd Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in Birmingham in 2022.

"It's fantastic news that women's T20 cricket could be returning to the Commonwealth Games, it's been far too long,” Kallis was reported saying by the ICC.

71 teams participate in the traditional multi-sport event comprising of more than 15 sports, 250 events and 5,000-plus athletes. This is the first time women’s cricket will be included as an event.  

"Even back in 1998, there was talk about the event being a 20-over competition, so it's finally come true it seems. That format of T20 lends itself perfectly to an event like the Commonwealth Games, which is over in a couple of weeks. And cricket is so loved in the Commonwealth countries too. It's a great idea to get it back in the event and give the sport and the women's players that exposure. I just hope cricket will now establish itself at the event," Kallis added.

However, men’s cricket was a part of the tournament 21 years ago in the 1998 edition in Kuala Lumpur. 16 nations participated in the 50-over matches which was granted list-A status. The Proteas ended the competition as champions defeating Australia in the finals, while New Zealand won against Sri Lanka to claim the bronze medal for themselves.

"I was only a youngster and I just remember being really excited to get the call-up. Our team was captained by Shaun Pollock and included the likes of Makhaya Ntini, Mark Boucher and Hershelle Gibbs. When you look back at the team now, it was the core of players that took South Africa forward in the next few years," Kallis recalled.

In a tense match defending a low score of 184, Australia had contained South Africa well but Kallis’ incredibly watchful innings of 44 runs off 96 balls led his country to their first ICC championship in an ICC global event.  

"When I look back on my career, that chance to play for South Africa at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur is right up there. Winning the gold gave us loads of confidence and we won the Champions Trophy in Bangladesh later that year too. The final against Australia was magnificent and I've very fond memories of getting the gold medal. It certainly ranks right up there in all of my cricket memories," Kallis signed off.

Get updates! Follow us on

Open all