Cricket News

Mithali Raj hints at coming out of retirement, open to play Women’s Indian T20 League

Former India Women’s skipper Mithali Raj has given a hint of coming out of retirement. Notably, she won’t be playing international cricket. In fact, she is considering the option of playing in […]

Jul 26, 2022 9:42 am

Former India Women’s skipper Mithali Raj has given a hint of coming out of retirement. Notably, she won’t be playing international cricket. In fact, she is considering the option of playing in the Women’s Indian T20 League, which might be inaugurated next year. The Indian Cricket Board decided to start the Women’s league after copping severe criticisms from the fans.

From 2018 to May this year, the board organized a three-team tournament with foreign players also participating in it. In the 2022 season, some fans in the MCA stadium in Pune were spotted asking the board to launch the Women’s version of the biggest T20 League. Notably, up until now, six franchises have announced that they will invest in Women’s teams.

Meanwhile, Raj, who retired from international cricket last month, has said that she is keeping the option of playing in the cash-rich although she hasn’t decided yet. The former India skipper also mentioned that there are a few months left in the tournament and she would love to be part of the first season.

“I’m keeping that option open. I’ve not yet decided. There are a few more months to go before the women’s ITL happens. It would be lovely to be part of the first edition of the women’s ITL,” Mithali told Isa Guha and Frankie Mackay in World Cricket Governing Council 100% Cricket podcast.

Interestingly enough, the Jodhpur-born player hasn’t played a T20I game since retiring from the format in 2019. However, she did play in the Women’s T20 Challenge till 2021. This year, the right-hander pulled out of the tournament and was replaced as skipper of the Velocity team. Talking about the 39-year-old’s T20I numbers, she has played 89 games and has 2364 runs to her name at an average of 37.52 including the highest score of 97 not out.

It will be interesting to see which franchise will pick her next year. Talking about her captaincy, she is one of the most successful skippers in the Women’s T20 Challenge, which is set to disband.