BCCI Shortlists WPL Venues, Baroda Set to Host Final

The third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to be held in two phases across two cities, with Baroda and Lucknow being considered as potential venues by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The season is expected to kick off around February 6 or 7, with Baroda in the […]

While the BCCI has yet to officially confirm the dates and venues to the five franchises, informal discussions have already taken place with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA). A formal announcement regarding the schedule and locations is anticipated in the coming days.

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Baroda has recently unveiled an international-standard venue, the Kotambi Stadium, which the BCCI is keen to utilize for the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Inaugurated last month, the stadium hosted three Women’s ODIs against the West Indies and has also been used for various senior Women’s T20 tournaments and Ranji Trophy games. The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA), which will oversee the knockout rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting January 9, plans to hold the semifinals and final under lights to test the readiness of the new facility.

The BCCI aims to host the 23-match WPL across two phases, and Baroda is reportedly requesting to stage the second phase, providing additional time for final touches to the venue. The final is expected around March 8-9. The inaugural WPL season was held entirely in Mumbai, while Bengaluru and Delhi hosted the second season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defending champions of the competition.

Harmanpreet to Join NCA for Assessment?

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who is absent from the three-match ODI series against Ireland, has reportedly been directed to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The BCCI announced that Harmanpreet and Renuka Singh Thakur were being rested for the series, which will take place in Rajkot on January 10, 12, and 15. However, sources suggest that Harmanpreet’s absence is tied to her summons to the NCA.

The exact nature of the injury or treatment required for Harmanpreet remains unclear at this stage. The BCCI has not disclosed specific details regarding the issue, and further updates are expected once the situation is assessed at the NCA.

Jahanara Alam Takes Indefinite Break from Cricket for Mental Health Reasons

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Monday that the country’s top women’s pace bowler, Jahanara Alam, has decided to take an indefinite break from cricket due to mental health concerns. Jahanara informed the BCB through a letter that she was not mentally prepared to play and requested a two-month break from cricket. Habibul Bashar, the head of the BCB women’s wing, expressed understanding, stating that the board respects her decision. Bashar emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and confirmed that Jahanara would remain out of action until she feels ready to return.

Jahanara has had a notable career, with 52 ODIs and 83 T20Is to her name. She made her comeback to the national side in July 2024 after a year-long absence and was included in the squad for the T20 World Cup, though she did not play any matches. More recently, she was part of Bangladesh’s home series against Ireland, featuring in the T20I matches but being left out of the ODIs.

Her absence highlights the increasing awareness and prioritization of mental health in cricket. The BCB has shown strong support for Jahanara’s decision, acknowledging the need for players to take time off when required for their mental well-being. While there is no set date for her return, the board has assured that they will remain in communication with her as she works through her challenges.

In other news, the BCB has announced the squad for the upcoming West Indies tour, which will be Bangladesh women’s team’s first-ever visit to the Caribbean. The tour will include three ODIs and three T20Is, all of which will be played at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts.

The Nigar Sultana-led Bangladesh women’s team is set to arrive in St Kitts on January 14 for their upcoming tour of the West Indies. The team will compete in a crucial three-match ODI series against the West Indies, scheduled for January 19, 21, and 24. This series holds significant importance for both sides as they aim to secure valuable ICC Women’s Championship points, which are essential for direct qualification for the 50-over Women’s World Cup in India later this year. Bangladesh must win the series to seal their spot in the tournament. Following the ODIs, the two teams will play a three-match T20I series on January 27, 29, and 31.

The squad has seen some changes, with Lata Mondal and Fariha Islam returning to the ODI squad, while Jahanara Alam and Ritu Moni have been left out. For the T20Is, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Lata Mondal, and Farzana Hoque have been added to the squad, while Ritu Moni, Jahanara Alam, and Jannatul Ferdous have been excluded. Vice-captain Nahida Akhter expressed her optimism, drawing inspiration from the men’s team’s recent successful tour to the West Indies.

“We are really excited to be going to the West Indies for the first time. The men’s team just returned from a successful tour, and we hope to achieve something similar,” said Rabeya Khan, reflecting on the team’s expectations. “Our main goal is to win the ODIs and secure the four points necessary to qualify for the Women’s World Cup,” she concluded, underscoring the importance of the upcoming matches.

The full squad for the tour includes: Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter (Vice Captain), Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Lata Mondol, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Farzana Haque, Taj Nehar, Shanjida Akther Maghla, and Marufa Akter. The team is focused on securing qualification for the Women’s World Cup and performing well in the upcoming matches.