While the world has set their eyes on the inaugural season of the Women’s T20 World Cup, the veteran cricketers are analyzing the huge impact this tournament is expected to have on the rising stars.
The tournament is set to begin from the 14th of January 2023 and has brought in huge opportunities for the young women cricketers from around the world. Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar too, has anticipated huge learning and experience for the Women cricketers.
In his column for ICC, Tendulkar admitted the opportunities the tournament has to bring in. He stated that the tournament is expected to change the shape of women’s cricket.
“This season is huge for women’s cricket as fans around the world shift their gaze to South Africa for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” wrote Tendulkar.
“While the Women’s T20 World Cup has been played for several years now, the Under-19 event is a first-time event and one that holds a lot of promise. I think this can transform the landscape since a global platform will ensure great learning and experience to young women cricketers,” he added.
“Though women’s cricket has made huge strides, there are areas still to be tapped. What is required right now is a more robust grassroots system across the world. The larger we spread the base, the more talent we will unearth and that will have a direct bearing on the quality of the game.”
The men’s U19 cricket World Cup has blessed international cricket with players like Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes, Kane Williamson, Kagiso Rabada, and more recently, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shubman Gill. The inaugural season of U19 Women’s World Cup is expected to bring in such brilliant players on an international front and provide them better opportunities.
Sachin also stated his two absolute favorites from the 16 team parade that is set to play. “Two-time defending champions Australia obviously go in as the favorites for the senior event while Harmanpreet’s side will be looking for their breakout moment after India missed out on World Cup titles in three previous finals – the 50-over World Cups of 2005 and 2017 and the 2020 T20 World Cup.”
“I wish the Indian team as well as the players from the other teams all the very best for these two tournaments. Of course, players will aim for victories, but I would ask everyone to just go out and enjoy playing the game on the biggest stage,” he concluded.
