Women's T20 Challenge: Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana to Lead Two Teams

India’s Women’s Twenty20 International skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and opener Smriti Mandhana have been designated the role of captaincy in the Women’s T20 Challenge game, based on the model of Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently made the announcement about the event scheduled to be held prior to the first Qualifier of IPL, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Also, the match will host Indians as well as prominent international names in women cricketers.

The day game, starting at 1400 hours IST, is likely to be played under the guidelines of IPL, which includes only four foreign players in the XI.

From the Southern Stars (Australian women’s team), star cricketers Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, and Alyssa Healy will participate in the exhibition match.

Further, the two Danielle’s from England, Wyatt, and Hazell are included in the list of marquee players along with White Ferns Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine.

“Even as IPL continues to roll like a well-oiled machine, over the last couple of weeks, efforts were made to put in place a similar structure for women cricketers,” Rajiv Shukla explained in the BCCI media release.

Excited to announce the first-of-its-kind exhibition match, says CoA head Diana Edulji.

Much had been talked about providing platforms to Indian women’s cricket. Similar to that of men’s cricket, post spirited show in England during last year’s Women’s World Cup in England.

One of the issues discussed with CoA head Diana Edulji was the implementation of IPL-style women’s league.

The likes of Veda Krishnamurthy, Smriti Mandhana, and Harmanpreet have already featured in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

“We were in talks with several Boards. I am pleased with the outcome. This special game will be played at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. Also, it will be telecast live in India and across the world,” continued the IPL commissioner.

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“We are excited to announce the first-of-its-kind exhibition match involving our women cricketers. BCCI has been pulling out all stops to promote and nurture women’s cricket. Additionally, this is a small yet significant step towards a prospective league involving women’s stars in the future,” mentioned former Indian captain Diana Edulji.

“The IPL is the biggest and most popular league in the world. Further, it has been a long-time endeavour to have a women’s league that can match the exuberance of IPL,” said the CoA member.

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“Mithali Raj. Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur. Smriti Mandhana and Veda Krishnamurthy among others rubbing shoulders with foreign stars. Also, it will be a unique experience and something that we have not witnessed here in India,” concluded Edulji.