Harmanpreet Kaur defends BCCI's decision to withdraw from England tour

India T20I skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has defended the BCCI’s decision to withdraw from the tour to England in a proposed tri-series also involving South Africa. She also backed the Board’s decision to announce the Women’s T20 Challenge to be held alongside with the Indian Premier League in UAE.

“While it was an opportunity for us to resume playing again, it is also important to keep in mind the situation we all are in right now. It was the right decision,” Harmanpreet was quoted as saying to TOI. The BCCI received a backlash after the team’s September tour to England was cancelled citing logistical reasons in organising a training camp.

"I hope that we grab the opportunity that we get and we are equally excited for the women’s IPL (Challenge) like the men’s IPL. I hope we play good cricket in the four games that we will get and entertain everybody. The WBBL has always been a premier domestic competition worldwide, and I will definitely miss not being part of it," stated Harmanpreet.

The future of the women’s team was also questioned after being without a selection committee for almost eight months now. The skipper is however hopeful that a committee will be in place soon.  "While it is important to have selectors, I hope we will have them in due course of time. I feel the women's game has grown tremendously over the last few years and we showed great character and resilience to reach the final. It has only motivated us to go one better next time," she said.

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However, the women’s T20 Challenge received flak from players all over the world as it's dates are clashing with the sixth season Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia. The clash between the two leagues means that players who are slated to be in both the tournaments will have to choose one. Meanwhile, Harmanpreet, who has never played in Dubai, is excited to get back into action but at the same time is upset about the clash.

“It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in such a situation. The respective cricket boards would obviously look towards growing the sport in their respective countries. I hope we can look towards playing in the tournament soon,” the 31-year-old said. "I'm excited about the tournament because this is the first time we'll be playing in Dubai. I had questions like how the wickets were there.

"As a batter, we need to think about these things. We need to play on our strengths, because if you don't play to your strengths, then your natural game doesn't come out. I hope that we grab this opportunity. I hope we get to entertain everybody. Sourav (Ganguly) sir is considering every opportunity for us and whatever he is doing for women's cricket is remarkable," she added.

She also stated that the tournament would be used as a preparation for the World Cup in 2021. “While we did miss lot of action during the last four-five months, the South Africa tour and the Women’s T20 Challenge puts us on the right track leading up to the World Cup,” she added.