Diana Edulji believes that initiating women's T20 this season will lead to something substantial in future

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk,SportsCafe Editor

23
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Despite having agreed to the mediocre response received by the women's T20 one off game 2018, Diana Edulji has insisted that the next season will definitely be significant. She did, however, add that the arrangement of the game ahead of IPL qualifiers was a slightly questionable move by BCCI.

Two squads, the Trailblazers led by Smriti Mandhana and the Supernovas led by Harmanpreet Kaur participated in the one off T20 game before an IPL  playoff game this year. With a total of 26 players, 10 international players from Australia, England and New Zealand were also a part of the setup.

The Trailblazers showcased players like Jhulan Goswami and Alyssa Healy, whereas the Supernovas had Mitali Raj and Meg Lanning. However, the one off match could not attract many spectators. 

“In my view the match was a success and many followed it on television. Yes, there were not many spectators but that was also the case during the 2016 Women's World T20( when the event was simultaneously with the men's competition),” Edulji told PTI.

The placement of the game just before the IPL qualifier 1 seemed to be unfavorable for the match.

“So, I am not sure if the BCCI could have scheduled the game better but considering it was accommodated during the IPL, the board did the best it could. I am sure more games like these will be played next season, if not a full-fledged IPL,” Edulji said.

Despite the lack of an enthusiastic response, the initiative is viewed as something significant which will grow over the next seasons. Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana suggested that four teams could be created for the tournament as viewed by the number of quality players that could be involved. Australia's Big Bash and Kia Super League can work as a motivation towards it.

“The foreigners were very excited being a part of this one off game and they have already told me that they are looking forward to being here next year. They also appreciated the BCCI offer to get them over here at such a short notice,” Edulji concluded.

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