India Cricket Update: It was unusual for a batter to walk out of the field as Punam Raut did recently, even though the umpire hadn't given her out in the one-off pink-ball Test against Australia.
Punam Raut feels women's Indian Premier League will open up opportunities for youngsters waiting to display their skills at a global competition. It will also give another chance to players looking to make a comeback in the Indian squad.
She has performed in 73 ODIs and 35 live T20Is for India and is well aware of the potential of a tournament like WIPL. It is the platform where uncapped players get to play with international cricketers.
"Obviously, when we get opportunities to play with international players, it increases the excitement of players to play the game and improve further in the game," Punam Raut said.
"Only 15-20 get a chance to play for India but there are talented players who can compete at the international level. There can be two teams in Indian Railways itself, such is the talent here, but since in India only 20 or 15 can play many talented cricketers miss out on chances."
"If players get to play in a women's IPL and moreover the games get telecasted, it further increases the chances of players getting the recognition," she further said.
"Women's IPL will also help players who want to make a comeback in the squad, like in men's IPL there are many players who didn't play Ranji cricket but made into the Indian squad of the back off good performances in IPL," the 32-year-old player explains this further.
The 'Women's T20 Challenge' has three sides but Punam believes in having at least six teams to support the incoming talent.
"I am not talking about three teams, I feel there should be at least six teams in the women's IPL so that more and more players could get the opportunities through games," Punam Raut said.