13 November,2023 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
Diana Edulji at Canberra in 1991. Pic/Getty Images
Former India captain Diana Edulji, who on Monday became the first Indian woman cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, has termed the honour as a Diwali gift and a great recognition for Indian women's cricket.
"It's an absolutely great Diwali gift and a great honour to be the first Indian woman cricketer [in the hall of fame]. It's not only an honour for me, but also for my family, friends, my fans, BCCI and Indian women's cricket," Edulji told mid-day on Monday. Former India opener Virender Sehwag and Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning team member Aravinda de Silva were also made members of the ICC Hall of Fame.
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When asked about the overall progress of Indian women's cricket, Edulji, who represented the country in 20 Tests and 34 ODIs from 1976 to 1993, said: "Indian women's cricket is progressing. We are doing well. We just need to crack one... we need an ICC trophy now. I am sure with this award given to me, it will motivate them [Indian women's team] and this will open channels for other Indian women cricketers of the past to come into the Hall of Fame."
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However, Edulji, who played in three ICC women's World Cups, captaining India in 1978 and 1993, wants the BCCI to start a longer-version, red-ball tournament for domestic players. "It may be two-day games or games of 90 overs each. People should learn to stay at the wicket for sometime," Edulji remarked.
Amol Muzumdar
Diana Edulji is hopeful of ex-Mumbai captain Amol Muzumdar having a good innings as the Indian women's team head coach. "I hope he [Muzumdar] has a fruitful innings and a successful one. He has the experience of leading stars in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team and was also with Rajasthan Royals [as a batting coach]. He has been doing a lot of commentary for women's cricket, so he knows women's cricket inside out. I wish him the very best," Edulji said.
