ICC rope in Shafali Verma for '100 percent Cricket Superstars' programme

The International Cricket Council has announced the first five players for the ‘100% Cricket Superstars’ ahead of a historic Commonwealth Games in Birmingham for women’s cricket. India’s young batting sensation Shafali Verma is among those five selected for ICC’s promotional program.

Verma, who has caught the eye of viewers and experts alike with her fearless batting in white-ball cricket, is India’s youngest ever half centurion, along with being the youngest player to represent India on the International stage. The young opener had a great start to her Test career, averaging 60 in her four innings so far.

The Indian youngster will be sharing the spotlight with some of the game’s elite players including Sophie Ecclestone (England), Amelia Kerr (New Zealand), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa). ICC’s 100% Cricket Superstars will take fan engagement to the next level, as they will be able to decide the final playing XI from the announced squad.

“100 percent Cricket Superstars celebrates the best talent in the women’s game as part of the ICC’s ongoing 100 percent Cricket campaign during a period that sees some of the sport’s most significant events take place,” said Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager

Shafali Verma has shown the maturity to bat long periods in trying and foreign conditions: ICC

Shafali, still just 18 years of age is making waves in International cricket with her performances. She was one of the eight Indian players to feature in the BBL last season and remains one of the most sought-after talents in women’s cricket. She has shown great form recently as she notched up her fourth half-century against Sri Lanka in the ongoing ODI series.

The ICC showered praise on the youngster and highlighted her impressive transition to the longest format of the game. They praised the 18-year-old opener for her maturity and willingness to bat for longer durations in tough foreign conditions.

“For all the power and aggression though, it’d be remiss not to acknowledge Verma’s early success in the long format of the game. Averaging over 60 across her four Test innings, Verma has shown a maturity to bat long periods in trying and foreign conditions,” said ICC, lauding the young Indian cricketer