Hope to see more players from Hyderabad in the Indian team: Mithali Raj

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has felicitated the Indian Women’s team captain Mithali Raj for leading the team to the finals of the recently concluded World Cup in England and also for becoming the highest run-getter in the Women’s ODI history. In the felicitation ceremony on Sunday, HCA presented a cheque of Rs. 5 Lakhs for her contribution towards the national team at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal.

Mithali Raj’s cricketing career kicked-off at an early age of 8 years in Hyderabad. Along with Mithali, her coach RSR Murthy and the video analyst Aarti Nalge were also felicitated. Aarti was a part of the Indian Women’s World Cup campaign and also hails from Hyderabad.

The HCA president G Vivekanand praised Mithali Raj for her services and for being a role model for the future stars. “The way she led the Indian side to women’s World Cup final that too in adverse conditions is remarkable. She is already an inspiration to many. We at the HCA are committed to the development of women’s cricket,” the HCA president said.

Speaking at the event, Mithali thanked all her team-mates, coaches and support staff who have helped her to reach this level all these years. “I have played a lot of my cricket at the junior and senior level here. A lot of credit must be given to many coaches who helped me. I think, this generation is lucky to have indoor and outdoor facilities at the Uppal stadium,” said Mithali Raj.

Praising the support shown by the HCA towards Women’s cricket, She wants to see more International players coming out from Hyderabad as currently, she is the only player from the city to represent the Indian Women’s team.

“HCA has been helping women cricketers to use these facilities. Being the only player from the city at the international level is very lonely. I want more women cricketers from this city to play for the country. Now that with these facilities, we can produce more cricketers,” she added.