Mithali Raj Is Likely To Come Out Of Retirement For The Upcoming Women’s IPL

Published - 16 Jan 2023, 12:34 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Mithali Raj. Image: BCCI Women/Twitter

Former India captain Mithali Raj is all set to come out of retirement for the first edition of the Women’s IPL to be held in March 2023. Before the men’s IPL, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will host the women’s championship, which will take place in late March and early April this year.

The much-awaited Women’s IPL is going to begin this year. Five teams will compete in the competition, and the names of those teams are expected to be revealed in the last week of January. The BCCI has not revealed the official dates of the tournament, but according to reports, it is likely to be held in India from March 5 to March 23.

Can Mithali Raj And Jhulan Goswami Participate In WIPL?

Former India captain Mithali Raj, who announced her retirement last year, said she would love to participate in the WIPL on the ICC’s 100% Cricket podcast with former England player Isha Guha and former New Zealand off-spinner Frankie Mackay in July 2022.

“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,” Mithali said.

The tournament will undoubtedly gain popularity with Mithali’s presence, as the veteran has served as India’s representative for women’s cricket for a long time. The elegant right-hander retired from all formats of cricket in June last year, but she left the Women’s IPL option open. The 40-year-old has represented India in 89 T20Is, scoring 2,364 runs at an average of 37.52.

Jhulan Goswami stated ahead of his final international game that she hasn’t decided whether or not she will play in the T20 event. Jhulan, who led India’s bowling for 20 years, played his last international match against England in 2022.

“As of now, I haven’t decided because so far, the Women’s IPL has not been officially announced. We are hopeful that it might come in the coming season. Let’s wait for the official announcement and then I will decide. At this moment, I am ending my career in international cricket. I have enjoyed every time,” Jhulan said.

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