“[The Women’s IPL] is going to change women’s cricket for the better,” Healy told ESPNcricinfo in a lengthy chat during Australia’s five-game Women’s T20I series against India in December.
“It’s probably going to put a lot of pressure on other global organizations, or countries around the world, to stand up – that’s probably the best way I’m going to put it. The most exciting thing about this is that it happens and there are some it’s going to be great for the game here in India.”
“When people are truly passionate about their [men’s] The IPL teams here, that’s a good thing and hopefully they’ll be behind the women’s too,” Healy said. “It’s obviously the next stage of the game and the opportunity for some players become [to India] and playing in a world-class tournament, on great grounds, and being very well supported is the next step in the game.”
“The fact that we’ve had great crowds of support just on this show [is great to see]”, she said. “I’m really excited about it. I would love to have the opportunity to be able to come here and be part of a women’s IPL, I think it would be an amazing experience.
Healy has played in various T20 leagues around the world including the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), the defunct Women’s Cricket Super League and The Hundred. She also participated in the Women’s T20 Challenge organized by the BCCI. Healy said leagues such as the WBBL, which has now been around for eight seasons, help players grow and playing against international teammates forces players to work on their weaknesses more than ever.
“I don’t feel like I’ve come close [the WBBL] too different to be honest with you,” she said. “I always go out there and try to hit the first pitch for six! Nah, I don’t know.
“It’s been great for our development as cricketers. To be able to play very high level matches more regularly at home, I think it’s great for anyone’s development. It’s not not just playing international cricket that challenges you, it’s actually a domestic game that is challenging as well and developing you as a player.
“You play in national leagues, where everyone knows everyone inside and out, they know your strengths or your weaknesses. You play against your teammates that you play [alongside] for Australia. So there is no hiding place. And I think it’s a great opportunity for me personally, to continue to develop my skills and try to stay ahead of the opponent, and show them new things. So I think in that respect it’s been great [and given me] great learnings over the years.”
The full interview with Alyssa Healy will be released the week of January 30.
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