The India Women’s team is currently in the UK for their multi-format tour against England and will see some of their players participating in the inaugural edition of ECB’s brainchild ‘The Hundred’.

Even though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not allow its male cricketers to take part in any foreign franchise-based leagues, some of the Test specialists have played county cricket in England.

Thus, BCCI has allowed some female players to take part in this 100-ball tournament as they feel it will help them get the exposure that will help them in the upcoming World Cup in New Zealand.

Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma will play for Birmingham Phoenix, while Smriti Mandhana will turn out for Southern Brave. Jemimah Rodrigues will play for Northern Superchargers and Deepti Sharma will turn out for London Spirit.

“Some of our boys have played county cricket, and that has given them a great opportunity and exposure. We want to take women’s cricket forward similarly. These experiences will definitely come in handy in the World Cup next year,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told Reuters.

India's Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Shafali Verma to headline 'The Hundred'

While the Women’s T20 challenge was conducted in UAE last year, might be held alongside the men’s IPL which was suspended recently due to positive COVID-19 cases inside team’s bio-bubbles.

“We’re trying to figure out if that can be played with the UAE leg of the IPL. Hopefully, we’ll get a window. We’ll have to see venue availability as well,” Dhumal said.

ECB’s new 100-ball tournament called ‘The Hundred’ that consists of eight men’s and women’s team was postponed last year owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year the tournament is slated to begin from 21 July.

(With Reuters Inputs)