Pretty excited, can't wait to feature in the WBBL 2023: Ellyse Perry

The Women’s Big Bash League 2023 will commence on October 19 with the final showdown scheduled for December 2, 2023 at Sydney Cricket Ground.

Talking to multicultural media, Sydney Sixers skipper Ellyse Perry and Perth Scorchers skipper Alana King expressed their excitement towards WBBL and said they look forward to the matches.

Perry stated that she is excited for the tournament and is awaiting its commencement with utmost eagerness. "Pretty excited and can't wait to feature in the WBBL Season 9. Tremendous progress has been witnessed in global women's cricket. Young players are getting more opportunities as compared to the last 10 years,” she said.

Perry also wants to see more South Asian women cricketers in the Women's Big Bash League. "Started my journey from the backyard, grew up watching India and Australia cricket teams on television. I'm thrilled to be part of Perth Scorchers. We have a bunch of talented players in the squad. WBBL is the best part of the year for me to be honest,” said King.

“Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan women's cricket teams have won some important series which has led to the development of women's cricket. A number of South Asian cricketers are featuring in the upcoming edition of men's Big Bash this year. The participation of South Asian players in the Women's Big Bash should also continue,” Perry stated.

On a question regarding Ayesha Nasim, Perry expressed that women should get equal opportunities in sports. “Females should be given ample opportunities in whatever sport they wish to pursue. Women should be empowered to make independent decisions and not be pressurized,” she said.

King also expressed her desire to see more South Asian women cricketers in the Women's Big Bash League in the future. “The more South Asian women cricketers play franchise cricket, the more they will learn, King stated. Indian cricketers are also playing in the Hundreds, WBBL has also inspired many cricketers,” she said.

"In the future, there will be more space for them in franchise cricket. The people of this region love cricket very much. Being of Indian background I have always watched cricket on TV. I am following the Australian and Indian cricket team since childhood. Loved the game ever since I could pick up a bat and a ball,” King said.

“WBBL is the leading cricket franchise worldwide followed by The Hundreds and Women IPL. We have recently played a series with the West Indies and are very excited for the WBBL is women's biggest franchise event in cricket, hope Perth Scorchers will lift up the trophy this time. The time is not far when we will see more women's leagues like men's cricket. All teams are balanced in WBBL, hope it will be a good tournament,” King stated.

Australian women also came forward to support Australia men's cricket team for the ODI World Cup 2023. Perry and King expressed their desire to see the Australian men's cricket team winning the ongoing ICC CWC 23 in India.

“Australia is favourite for both Pakistan match in Bengaluru and to lift up the World Cup,” said Perry.

King said: “Hosts India would be a really tough opponent, but our good wishes are with Australia men's squad. Pakistan and South Africa are also strong contenders for the final four.”