In what comes as a massive news for domestic women's cricket in India, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has decided to bring back the Andhra Women's T20 League this year.
The league which was previously held with just three teams, was discontinued last year. However, now the state cricket association is willing to revive the tournament with four teams.
What is even more evident is that the tournament will be hosted independently and away from the shadows of the men's league. The decision to bring back the tournament was taken at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Vijayawada on Sunday (June 8).
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ACA Keen To Focus On Women's Cricket - Andhra Cricket Association Official
Going forward, the state cricket association plans to host the men's and the women's T20 tournaments simultaneously to for logistical and operational convenience. As of now, the league will be played in August. The Andhra Cricket Association will initially function as the women's league but will gradually look for investors to expand the league in the future.
"The decision is a testimony of ACA's focus for women's cricket in the state. Our president Kesineni Sivanath (a Lok Sabha member from Vijayawada) and secretary S Satish (a Rajya Sabha member) are clear about their vision for women's cricket," said an ACA official.
Mithali Raj - The Convener Of Women's Cricket In Andhra
Former Indian skipper Mithali Raj is the convenor of women's cricket in Andhra. Over the next few days, ACA will form a women's committee to look into the activities focusing on women's cricket. It will also have an intended selection committee.
As of now, the dates for the men's league is finalised. There will be a total of 19 matches. The matches will be held from June 22 to July 3 at Visakhapatnam's YSR ACA-VDA Stadium. The women's matches will be played in Vizianagaram with the final in Visakhapatnam.
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