BCCI thinking of women's cricket, needs to be more specific in communication: Anjum Chopra

Former India women's team captain Anjum Chopra firmly believes that BCCI has a plan for women's cricket but she wants Board to communicate its ideas more specifically. Speaking to PTI, Chopra, who is w a successful broadcaster, said BCCI is thinking in earnest about progress of women's cricket. "It's t that BCCI is t thinking about women's cricket. I only think y need to be more specific in communication about women's cricket," Chopra told PTI. "I firmly believe that y must be thinking about women's cricket but communication all this while has been very specific to men's cricket."

'BCCI thinking of women's cricket...'

latest trigger for criticism of BCCI was India's withdrawal from a tour of England in September owing to logistical issues arising out of COVID-19 pandemic.  Chopra concedes it was "t nice" but Indian players' participation in women's IPL, in vember, will still be useful preparation for next year's ODI World Cup. "It is heartening to see women's cricket making headlines. y should have been a part of that England tour and it did t feel nice initially but women's IPL, irrespective of format, will be helpful for World Cup preparations. Any form of cricket is good preparation," Chopra said. "Missing out on a tournament is t nice, but logistically re may have been issues. And you can't send an under-prepared team." "If you see in isolation we may have missed out on an opportunity to play in England. more girls play better it is, before playing a tournament of stature of World Cup. assurance from president is a very good thing."

Chopra welcomed Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI's decision to hold women's event in UAE alongside IPL, which will run from September 19 to vember 10. women's IPL will coincide with business end of men's league. "I am definitely happy, it's always nice to be part of any cricket anywhere across world. "y should have been nearing final sts of preparation for World Cup by w, but because of pandemic things did t go as planned," she added.

Chopra had a successful international career spanning over 17 years, during which she represented India in a record six World Cups and became first woman cricketer to appear in 100 One-day Internationals. She also felt that pandemic would t have much impact on women's game that has gained momentum in recent times. "...Cricket was on pause button...Once cricket resumes and players are back on park, everything is going to get picked up. It might take some time to get started as everything starts from zero... " awareness women's game has created, I hope it stays. y will just restart, t start after pandemic."

Im credits: PTI / Social Media