We are playing international cricket after more than a year and everyone is looking forward to that. But it’s not like we have been idle since the Quadrangular tournament in February.
In September the new domestic season started and this year we had two-day games for the inter-state tournament and the qualifiers for the nationals. Then in February for the first time we had the Challenger Trophy for women. The board had approached us once they planned the tournament and I was happy they wanted the same format that we wanted. The games were interesting because the national players were sorted into the three teams, so it wasn’t as if 10 India players were in one side, because then you can’t really find out how good a player is.
I keep an eye on any young talent coming up the ranks in domestic cricket. In fact anyone who plays well against my team, Railways, which is the strongest in women’s cricket, is someone who soon can make it to the national side. Lots of very young girls play against us in the domestic circuit.
In the months we are off before the season begins, we usually train individually. I have Nooshin Al Khadeer working with me in Hyderabad for South Central Railways so we hang out a lot and train together as well. Otherwise, when free, I like to catch up with my cousins, go for family get-togethers because as sports persons we don’t get to spend enough time with them while touring.
The Indian Premier League has been hogging the headlines all these days but we were at camp preparing for the Asia Cup and I didn’t have the energy to sit up late and watch the matches. Some of the younger girls are very enthusiastic and keep us updated. Next year we will be playing a Twenty20 World Cup alongside men but I think it’s important that a domestic tournament be organised so that the girls get used to playing Twenty20. Earlier it was just a bang-bang format but now there is a lot more thought going in to how to space your innings etc.
Looking ahead to the Asia Cup itself, I am happy it now has four teams, with Bangladesh entering the tournament for the first time. Asian cricket is no doubt improving. Pakistan have qualified for the World Cup which means there will be three Asian sides – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka – in Australia next year and that is a good thing.
I have been to Sri Lanka twice – in 1997 and 2004 - and it’s a wonderful place but the climate is too hot to step out. However when you’re in a different country you must take the chance of having a look around. You can sit at home when you’re in India. I’d love to try water-sports but I can’t swim! But roller-coaster rides in water parks are fun so if the team is game, we could do that.
Comments
Posted by: Arun Jose at May 2, 2008 11:39 PM
Hey Mithali, All the best for Asia cup! Bring the cup back home again!!!
Posted by: flypen at May 3, 2008 12:25 AM
Hey Mithali,
Good to see your blog. I have been a big follower of womens' cricket for a long time. Good to see that a few games are coming up and most importantly some deserving attention. I only hope to be able to watch a few of your games from here in the US.
All the best.
Posted by: Vivek at May 3, 2008 6:07 AM
All the best to you and the Indian team, Mithali. A strong performance in the Asia Cup and consistent performances during the rest of 2008 would be the ideal preparation for next years World Cup.
Posted by: Hema at May 7, 2008 11:54 AM
Hey Mithali.. great going in Asia cup.. Ur team is performing very well.. all the very best for the other matches too.. :)
Posted by: suman at May 7, 2008 7:45 PM
Hi mythali
I am a big fan of you. Your doing a great job for the national team. keep going
gud luck
Posted by: antara at May 7, 2008 7:52 PM
good luck mithali! looking forward to the day women's cricket hogs the headlines!
Posted by: Rohit Jain at May 7, 2008 10:10 PM
Hi Mithali
Best of Luck to Indian Team for Asia Cup. Can you post a team photo next time in your blog
Posted by: Savi at May 10, 2008 7:25 AM
Hi Mithali
It's great to see women's cricket coming up! I play cricket in a girl's team as well and I really want to bring up the profile of women's cricket. All the best for the Asia Cup and can't wait to see you guys in Sydney next year!
Mithali Raj, India's captain, has been on the international circuit for nearly a decade. In August 2006 she led the side to their first-ever Test and series victory in England and wrapped up the year winning the Asia Cup - the second time in 12 months - without dropping a single game. India, under her captaincy, also reached the World Cup final in 2005 and she will be hoping she can do the same next year but before she can do that she has to tackle the Asia Cup, a tour of England and the small matter of a Twenty20 World Cup.
Urooj Mumtaz managed to juggle a course in dentistry along with captaining Pakistan. Their most recent triumph was qualifying for the World Cup next year and the 22-year old Urooj will lead a young team to Australia in hope of creating a favourable impression of the Pakistan women's team among the other sides as well as back home. A legspinner, she has a hat-trick against Zimbabwe.
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