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India's Raj wants women's IPL after World Cup heartbreak

July 25, 2017
India players stand dejected prior to receiving their runners-up medals after losing the ICC Women's World Cup final match against England, at Lord's, in London, Sunday. — AP
India players stand dejected prior to receiving their runners-up medals after losing the ICC Women's World Cup final match against England, at Lord's, in London, Sunday. — AP

LONDON — India captain Mithali Raj said now was time to "create the base" of a female equivalent to the Indian Premier League after her side's hopes of Women's World Cup final glory were snatched away by England at Lord's.

Raj's side looked on course to lift the trophy for the first time at 191 for three, chasing 229 for victory, in Sunday's final at the 'home of cricket'.

But on the same Lord's ground where India's men had won an inaugural World Cup title back in 1983, they lost their last seven wickets for just 28 runs to be bowled out for 219 with eight balls to spare.

Pressure got to India in the end, but the 34-year-old Raj, who later confirmed this has been her last World Cup appearance, said that would be less likely to happen if they had a tournament to match Australia's Twenty20 Women's Big Bash League or England's equivalent Super League.

"Everybody was very nervous and I think that resulted in our defeat," Raj, the all-time leading run-scorer in women's One-Day Internationals told reporters.

England's women have been full-time professionals for some two years now, with Raj's side still on their way — although the squad did receive bonus payments of 50 lakh Indian rupees (£60,000) each for reaching the final from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

"These girls have really set the platform for the upcoming generations in India," said Raj. "They've opened up the channels for women's cricket and they should be really proud of themselves. I have seen the changes the girls have made.

"Unlike 2005 (when Australia hammered India by 98 runs in the final at Centurion, South Africa), this went to the end."

India's collapse was sparked by Punam Raut's exit for 86, the top score of the final. "We messed it up in the end. It was a very brave innings from Punam," said Raj.

"The response from the public is very positive," said Raj. "I'm sure the BCCI is very proud of the team. When we lost to South Africa and Australia (in pool play), no one thought we would get to the final. A team like that has come to the finals and given a good fight to the home team.

"The WBBL has given exposure to the two girls who have played (Smriti Mandhana and Kaur). If more girls participate in such leagues, it will give them experience and help them to improve their own game. If you ask me, they should have (women's) IPL because now is the right time to create that base."

Millions of cricket-crazy Indians watching the match on big screens across India were left heartbroken as their team fell short of their 229-run target by just nine runs in a thrilling finale on Sunday.

But tributes flowed from the prime minister and cricket legends for the "Women in Blue", who often miss the limelight hogged by India's men's Test side. "Our women cricketers gave their best today. They have shown remarkable tenacity & skill through the World Cup. Proud of the team!" Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar consoled the team on their World Cup disappointment, the second time they have missed the cup after going down to Australia in 2005.

"Feel for all of you, #WomenInBlue! You were good throughout but sometimes it is not meant to be. Congrats England on winning," Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.

India's men's 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev hailed the women's gutsy showing as a victory for girls across the subcontinent.

"Mithali's team too has won the hearts of the nation. I know that not every daughter will become a champion, but I am sure that the mindset of parents is bound to change now," Dev was quoted as saying by The Hindu newspaper.

"Honestly, I was not a keen follower of women's cricket, but I am their biggest fan now. I am sure... people will pray to be blessed with daughters. Hats off to them."

The front page of the Hindustan Times newspaper declared: "India take big steps, fall just short of giant leap."

Those cricketers working for India's railways — there are 10 members of the squad employed by the state-run transport body — will receive automatic promotions, local media reported.

Captain Raj has been promised a BMW by a former cricket selector. — Agencies


July 25, 2017
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