Mithali Raj, the former captain of India, plans to come out of retirement to participate in the first Women’s IPL. Raj said she is keeping the choice open on the inaugural edition of the ICC’s new podcast, 100 percent Cricket.
In order to begin the WIPL with six teams the following year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been making preparations. Currently operational IPL franchises have expressed interest in purchasing and managing WIPL clubs.
Mithali Raj stated, “I’m keeping that option open. I’ve not yet decided. There are a few more months to go before the women’s IPL happens. It would be lovely to be part of the first edition of the women’s IPL.”
The BCCI is nearing completion of its plans for the Women’s IPL. BCCI representatives will talk about a potential window for WIPL 2023 during the ICC annual conference. The Indian board is considering the March or September timeframe for the first WIPL season.
Mithali Raj says that she will keep the option open to play in the Women’s IPL
A BCCI source said, “there was a meeting during the IPL final. There are two windows for which a green signal has to be obtained, one in March/April and the second one in September/October. We will also get in touch with ICC to seek a separate window. BCCI could start men’s IPL in May next year.”
Although she had previously participated in the Women’s T20 Challenge, Mithali Raj was not a part of it this time. She is finally prepared to leave her retirement, though.
Mithali Raj said, “I thought it would slow down my lifestyle, in the sense that I don’t have to plan my day, week or next series. So far it is as hectic as it has been, there’s no change to my lifestyle yet. Maybe when all these things die down, I’d probably feel the difference of what it is post-retirement.”
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