After a wait of more than 12 months, the Indian women’s cricket team will be back in action in March. According to Cricbuzz, India is set to host South Africa’s women’s team for the white ball series that will include five one-day internationals and three T-20 games. The venues and dates for this bilateral series are likely to be released in the coming days.
The last international game for the Indian team was the T-20 World Cup final against Australia way back in March last year. Since the final defeat, the Indian team has been devoid of international games due to the pandemic. Some of the Indian players were part of the Jio Women’s T-20 Challenge that took place in UAE last October and November.
It is a big boost for women’s cricket in India as BCCI was under immense scrutiny for not arranging international games for them as they did with the men’s team. The international cricket for men’s team returned in November when they started the long tour of Australia.
Along with the bilateral series against South Africa, domestic 50-overs tournament is also set to take place for the women’s team at the end of February. The steps from BCCI to revive women’s cricket during pandemic have come late considering the number of efforts taken by other boards across the globe.
South Africa is currently playing against Pakistan in the white-ball series, while Australia and England are set to tour New Zealand for ODI and T-20 games. Cricket Australia also successfully held women’s Big Bash League in home conditions during October and November.
After the South Africa series, BCCI should look to hold talks with England and New Zealand regarding the away series. The away series against Australia that was previously scheduled for this year has already been postponed to next year. After being out of action for so long, the Indian team will need few series under the belt to get back to their best.