Picture Credit: Twitter
New Zealand all-rounder Suzie Bates has advocated for a Women's Indian Premier League (IPL) stating it will help in raising the stature of women's cricket overall and aid in the improvement of cricketers.
Bates also spoke about her expectations from the upcoming Women's 50-over World Cup, playing a World Cup at home and the need for the Women's IPL to start as soon as possible.
"I think every international women's cricketer will be a supporter of the Women's IPL. Before COVID-19, they did start with the exhibition matches, it was an absolute pleasure to be part of those. I would love to see a Women's IPL start and it will present the opportunity to women cricketers to play in front of Indian fans," said Bates in interaction with news agency ANI.
"I think for the Indian women's team, it will also help their depth which they have started to grow and as a player, so exciting to see franchise cricket getting going. Women's IPL is a key tournament that is missing in the women's game," she added.
A home World Cup brings extra pressure as the nation wants you to do well: Bates
The forthcoming Women's ODI World Cup is all set to commence on March 4, 2022 at the Bay Oval in Tauranga, with the hosts up against West Indies in the tournament opener. Prior to the competition, the White Ferns will also participate in six white-ball fixtures against India in a series commencing on February 9.
"Yeah, absolutely. There is no hiding from the fact that a home World Cup brings extra pressure as the nation wants you to do well. We have talked about that as a group and I guess we are excited about the opportunity. None of us have played in a home World Cup in New Zealand. We are excited about it and we are not too worried about the pressure that comes along with it," Bates stated in the same interview before adding that she could not have asked for a better preparation heading into the World Cup.
Other than playing India, the Kiwis have already had a series with England and Australia, two of the best teams in the world. The Indian Women's team have been there in the last two World Cup finals (T20 and 50-Overs) but have just not been able to deliver on the big day.