BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia Compares Women’s World Cup Final Impact to 1983 Triumph
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is taking significant steps to enhance women’s red-ball cricket, as stated by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. Following India’s impressive performance in the Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia, Saikia emphasized the board’s commitment to increasing the number of Test matches and multi-day games in the domestic circuit. He highlighted the growing support for women’s cricket and the need for a robust domestic structure to facilitate longer-format tournaments.
Commitment to Women’s Test Cricket
Devajit Saikia reiterated the BCCI’s dedication to promoting women’s Test cricket. He noted that the board is actively working to increase the number of Test matches for women and expand multi-day games at the domestic level. Saikia mentioned that the revival of multi-day cricket for women began three years ago, with matches against teams like Australia, New Zealand, and England. This initiative was spearheaded by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who aimed to elevate women’s Test cricket. Saikia acknowledged that while women predominantly play white-ball formats, the introduction of more multi-day tournaments is essential for player development.
Strengthening Domestic Structure
Saikia pointed out the necessity of strengthening the domestic structure to support longer-format cricket. He stated that the current domestic tournaments mainly focus on T20 and 50-over formats. To bridge this gap, the BCCI is considering introducing multi-day competitions similar to the men’s Ranji Trophy. This move aims to provide players with the experience needed to excel in Test matches. Saikia emphasized that incorporating multi-day matches into bilateral series is crucial for the future of women’s cricket in India.
Impact of the Women’s Premier League
The introduction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has significantly transformed the landscape of women’s cricket in India. Saikia credited the WPL for its professional approach, which has attracted sponsorship, increased viewership, and enhanced visibility across television and digital platforms. He believes that the WPL has created a paradigm shift in how women’s cricket is perceived and supported in the country. Saikia expressed optimism that a World Cup victory could further elevate the status of women’s cricket, drawing parallels to the impact of India’s 1983 World Cup win.
Growing Support and Future Prospects
Saikia highlighted the overwhelming response from fans at the DY Patil Stadium, showcasing the increasing popularity of women’s cricket. He remarked on the packed stadium, which reflects the progress made in the women’s game. This enthusiastic support is seen as a positive indicator for the future success of Indian women’s cricket. Saikia concluded by stating that winning the World Cup could propel women’s cricket to new heights, solidifying its place in the sporting landscape of India.
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