Mithali Raj hints at coming out of retirement to play Women's IPL

Former Indian captain and cricketer Mithali Raj, who announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket in June after a glorious career, has hinted that she is open to coming out of retirement to play in the inaugural edition of the Women’s IPL.

The BCCI organizes a brief tournament named the Women T20 Challenge every year, which features just three teams and a limited number of matches. The board has copped criticism from viewers and experts alike for their lack of investment in the women’s game, and last month BCCI president responded to this criticism and confirmed that they are looking at planning a full-fledged IPL for the women’s teams from 2023.

Mithali Raj, who retired as the leading run scorer in ODI cricket, was asked about her opinion on the BCCI’s decision and if she would like to be a part of the tournament by Isa Guha and Frankie Mackay in ICC’s 100% Cricket podcast. Responding to the question, she stated that she is open to the idea but has not decided anything yet.

“I’m keeping that option open. I’ve not yet decided. There are a few more months to go before the women’s IPL happens. It would be lovely to be part of the first edition of the women’s IPL,” Mithali stated.

Shafali is a once-in-a-generation player, says Mithali

The recently retired Indian superstar lavished high praise on young Indian opening batter Shafali Verma, who has caught the eyes of viewers across the globe with her tremendous attacking instincts with the bat. Mithali labelled the 18-year-old as a generational talent and hailed her as a player who can win matches for her team single-handedly with her batting prowess.

“I have been a big fan of her game. I have seen that she’s one player who has the ability to win the game single-handedly for India against any attack and any team. She is one of those players that you get to see probably once in a generation. She played for my team, and I saw that she has the ability and the raw power that you rarely get to see at that age to clear the boundary and hit a six at will,” Raj added.