Mithali Raj Makes a Strong Case for Women’s IPL

Watch Mithali Raj speak to the media after returning from the ICC Women’s World Cup.

The Indian team celebrates a wicket during a match in the World Cup.

(Photo: AP)

Overwhelmed by the warm reception on returning home after their memorable campaign at the ICC World Cup, Indian skipper Mithali Raj said it was just a beginning of good times for women's cricket.

"It's overwhelming to see such a reception, it's the first of its kind for all of us, I faced a kind of similar one in 2005, then we were not under BCCI," said Mithali, who guided India to the final of the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup. Speaking about how she had felt at that time, she said:

I was wondering, had we been under BCCI, what kind of reaction we would get? The girls would have enjoyed being received like that. It is just the beginning of good times for Women’s Cricket.

Mithali Raj

Raj and company received a rousing reception after their arrival in Mumbai with fans turning out in big numbers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport early on Wednesday morning.

The Indian team finished as runner-ups in the quadrennial event after losing narrowly by nine runs against hosts England in the final last Sunday, and the skipper said her team deserves every bit of the accolades.

"They always deserved it, now because of broadcasting and televising of the game it is more, coming under BCCI has made a difference. I always believed if more matches are televised we can attract more people," said Raj, who became the leading run-scorer in women's One-day Internationals during the event.

The way the girls have played, Indian and other teams have put up good standard of cricket in World Cup and it has given impetus to women cricket globally, it has given us more positive feedback.

Mithali Raj

"If you had asked me a couple of years back I would have said no. But after going through the way women cricketers have improved the standard of cricket in the World Cup, and how a couple of our players have played for the team, I'm sure if something is started, it will help even domestic players in getting exposure," Raj said.

Video Editor: Vivek Gupta

(With inputs from PTI)

(We all love to express ourselves, but how often do we do it in our mother tongue?  Here's your chance! This Independence Day, khul ke bol with BOL – Love your Bhasha. Sing, write, perform, spew poetry – whatever you like – in your mother tongue. Send us your BOL at [e-mail] or WhatsApp it to 9910181818.)