I am keeping that role open: Mithali Raj opens up on possible return to cricket in Women’s IPL

It has been a month since BCCI announced that they are going to host the Women’s IPL in the forthcoming year ahead of the grand franchise extravaganza for the men that is supposed to start from March end as per reports.

Former Indian women’s captain, Mithali Raj opened up at length on her possible appearance in the Women’s IPL even though nothing concrete has been revealed so far. Mithali stepped down from the international arcade in March 2022 after playing her last ODI against South Africa.

Talking to PTI, Mithali said, “I am keeping that role open, whether as a player or in a franchise in some way as a mentor. But right now, nothing is clear, there are five teams...how they are going to do, whether it's a bidding or auction, so until there is some concrete information, I am keeping pretty much all things open.”

She also opened up about the idea of owning a team as she added, “I am watching cricket from a very different optics. I still do feel the nerves if it's a tight game. I still have to cross that barrier of not feeling those emotions of a player. I am just testing the waters if I am apt for commentary. Maybe after a few months, I will see if I still have keenness to pursue it.”

Mithali concluded by saying why the U19 Women’s World Cup is a major leap for the Indian women, stating, “Currently, one should appreciate the things that are improving and bolstering women's cricket higher, whether it's match fee, women's IPL and Women's Under-19 World Cup first edition next year.”