A sheer festive treat

Diana Edulji, the first Indian woman cricketer to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame, sees honour as a Diwali gift and recognition for women’s cricket here

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.

Hope Muzumdar is successful: Edulji

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.

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