The advent of T20 leagues across the planet has increased the viewership of cricket only in the nations that already dominate it. True globalisation of the sport remains an issue. However, that is going to change as 2022 Commonwealth Games is set to feature a 20-over Women’s Cricket tournament across July and August.
In the form of an eight-team event that’ll include India, England and 6 others, the 72 participant countries of 2022 Commonwealth Games –across different sports– are finally going to relish the phenomenon that cricket is.
Earlier, non-cricketing nations had not really been able to step in. Or even see what cricket is.
Harmanpreet Kaur is eyeing a medal
Four days ahead of the historic tournament, Indian Women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur has made her importance of winning a medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games clear.
“This tournament is very important for us. This time we (the Indian team) are playing for a medal,” Harmanpreet Kaur was quoted as saying.
She also elaborated on how she and her mates have grown up watching the Commonwealth Games.
“If I speak for myself, we have grown up watching these kinds of tournaments & we’re glad we are also getting an opportunity to be part of a big event. I think in the future if we keep getting these opportunities, it will be great for us.”
Harmanpreet Kaur has worded her speech from the point of view of the India Women Cricket Team. But the opportunity is huge for everyone involved.
It is the second coming of cricket in the Commonwealth Games.
The first time cricket featured in CWG back in the Kuala Lumpur 1998 edition, it wasn’t much of a success. Now, with 2022 Commonwealth Games featuring cricket, there’s an opportunity at hand for the women representing the game.
Teams have been divided into two groups of four each. Group A comprises India, Barbados, Australia & England in action while New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will constitute Group B.
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The tournament will kick off with a battle between India and Australian on July 29. The finale and third-place playoff will be held on August 7, 2022.
Kaur & co. will be looking to ace the 2022 Commonwealth Games to finally have something to show for their efforts. The Indian Women Cricket Team has toiled hard in the last decade and are due a major triumph.