India ODI captain Mithali Raj totally understands the frustration of foreign internationals on overlapping of T20 Challenge and WBBL dates but firmly believes that BCCI “did its best” to fit in the four-match tournament in these unusual COVID-19 times.
While the foreign players, led by Australian star player Alyssa Healy, questioned the timing of the exhibition games as it is clashing with the WBBL, the BCCI was also criticised for not going ahead with the women’s tour of England in September.
Asked about her thoughts on the two subjects, Mithali spoke her mind.
“People tend to judge quickly. The BCCI president (Sourav Ganguly), secretary (Jay Shah) and IPL GC chief (Brijesh Patel) have been very encouraging towards women’s cricket.
“I personally thought we may not even get to play the Challenger trophy (domestic event) because even the men’s IPL was in doubt but these games are most welcome,” Mithali said.
On comments of top internationals like Healy, Suzie Bates, Rachel Haynes expressing their displeasure, the Indian legend tried putting things into perspective.
“I know a lot of people (foreign players) have questioned the timing of it but these are not normal circumstances. Normally, the IPL happens in April-May and doesn’t collide with WBBL (in Australia).
“But these are unusual circumstances, the window (tentatively November 1-10) was a short one and the BCCI did the best it could.”
The WBBL is scheduled from October 17 to November 29.
“It (their frustration) is understandable. They (foreign players) also want to be part of the event. I too want the best players in the league. “But the situation is not normal. Right now, there is hardly any sporting activity in India and to have the matches before the men’s IPL, it would require players to be in match mode. We are yet to start training.
“My own state has just allowed the opening of gyms. So for me to get match ready will take time. The BCCI has given us that window and we will have to work around it this year,” she said.