Maybe we could label 2022 as ‘International Women’s Year’, says Alyssa Healy

Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy feels that the year 2022 could be termed as ‘International Women’s Year’ considering the four major big events lined up throughout the course of 365 days. The events lined up are – rescheduled ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, the Commonwealth Games and part of the Ashes.

“Maybe we could label it ‘international women’s year’ if that’s going to happen, and have four big major events all throughout that year and no men’s sports being played - that would be fantastic,” Healy was quoted as saying to ESPNCricinfo. The 2021 World Cup was scheduled to happen in New Zealand in February-March but was postponed a year more due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also stated that the year 2022 provides an exciting opportunity for women’s cricket to regain the lost momentum should all the teams have adequate preparation. “Look, it will be interesting to see how they (the ICC) are able to balance all those events,” said Healy, who was named in Australia's 18-member squad for New Zealand series.

“Enabling all the international sides to have proper preparation for those big tournaments is key, and if that’s not able to take place, then they’re obviously going to look at rescheduling some of the events. The opportunity to play four big major worldwide events in one year is obviously daunting, but it’s also exciting for us to showcase the women’s game on an international scale as big as that. I think most of the girls around the world would be chomping at the bits to be part of it.”

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Australia have a busy summer ahead. With the three-match T20I series and the same number of ODIs against New Zealand starting from September 27, the players will then scatter themselves for their respective franchises in the sixth edition of the Women’s Big Bash League. They will then host India in a three-match ODI series in January next year against India.

Recently, ICC has released a documentary on the T20 World Cup 2020 and Healy stated that it was timely, reviving the urge to get back on the field for all the players around the world. “The last thing that everyone remembers (about women’s cricket) is the (T20) World Cup, and to relive that through the documentary was timely, in my mind. For us players, it reignites the craving to go out there and play cricket,” she said.

“Fortunately for us, we are lucky enough to have a series against New Zealand that’s looking like it’s going to go ahead. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of series around the world that aren’t happening. We are really grateful for the opportunity to be able to go out and play cricket for our country.”