BCCI Will Be Looking At Organising Women’s IPL, But It Is More Important To Have Stronger Domestic Structure – Saba Karim

Former Indian cricketer and former women’s cricket head at Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Saba Karim feels that BCCI will be organizing women’s Indian Premier League (IPL) but before that it is important to have a strong domestic structure so that India can keep producing younger talent.

The former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim, who looked after women’s cricket as BCCI General Manager – Cricket Operations stated:

“Going forward, yes, BCCI will be looking at organising women’s IPL but I also feel that it is more important to have a very stronger domestic structure so that it keeps throwing up younger talent who can play at that level.”

Also, he feels that the reason behind the massive success of the men’s IPL was the domestic structure set up by the BCCI. He said:

“And, I mean why men’s IPL was a success because the kind of structure the kind of talent that was coming up from the, from the domestic level. And I think a similar kind of thing needs to take place for women cricket also.”

“So there are two-three areas where I’m sure BCCI would would like to improve in terms of having more number of matches, more tournaments, maybe introducing a multi day domestic tournament. That will really help the younger talent to come through,” Karim said in a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports.

Saba also feels that it’s good that seven Indian players will be participating in the Women’s Big Bash after the T20 series in Australia. He added:

“Well that is the way to take it forward, but it is a big challenge is to find the right kind of window. It is equally important to make adequate preparation so that one is able to squeeze in a multi day tournament for women created in the given window.

“One should not forget that the season in India can’t start before September middle and you need to finish by March or April. So there are certain constraints, but I’m sure all the state bodies can reorganise,” said Saba Karim.

I’m Looking At Harman To Strike Rich Form – Saba Karim

Discussing the upcoming India vs Australia T20I series, Karim said he is looking forward to Harmanpreet Kaur striking in rich form. Also, he that India will clinch the victory in the series by a 2-1 margin. Saba Karim stated:

“I’m looking at Harman to strike rich form. Being a captain, you do have the responsibility but one should not forget that you’re in the side purely as a batter and then the team expects you to contribute with match winning performances on a regular basis. So, for me, number one would be Harman.

The former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman also said that Smriti and Shafali will do their job as an opener but the middle order needs to fire. He asserted:

“We have seen what Smriti and Shafali can do at the top. I’m sure they will put India in a strong position but in the middle overs and to play right till the end, you need the experience of Harman to come good for India on a regular basis.“

Saba Karim reckons that India’s fielding remains a big concern for the team. He said:

 “It is (fielding is a concern), and that is directly related to the fitness level of the players. More they work on the fitness I’m sure that change will come and fitness levels of men’s cricket can be replicated, even in the women’s team.

Saba Karim feels that it will take a lot of work to improve the fitness level of the cricketers. He said:

“So there is a huge amount of work that is taking place in all the state sides, they have professional support staff now we’re working hard to build the physical strength of the players and work on the fitness levels. And as they graduate to the national team.

“We will reach there. It may take, take some time, but I think the best part is that we are competing in terms of our skill set with all the top teams,” Saba Karim said.

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