Inaugural Women’s Emerging Team Asia Cup to start today

By Madushka Balasuriya

The inaugural Women’s Emerging Team Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Asia Cup will get underway in Colombo today until 27 October, with under-23 squads from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh taking part in the 50-over tournament.

Each squad, while primarily consisting of players born on or after 1 September 1996, will be allowed four players above 23 years of age – a maximum of three over-23 players will be allowed in the final playing XI.

The opening day will see hosts Sri Lanka taking on Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, while India will take on Bangladesh at the Thurstan College Grounds. 

Speaking at a media briefing, the captains of each side were unanimous in their praise of the tournament and its potential in uplifting the women’s game in the region.

“There’s never been a tournament like this before so it’s a big opportunity for the younger players to showcase their talents,” said Sri Lanka Captain Harshitha Madavi.

“This tournament will develop women’s cricket in Asia, and I hope to see it continuing in the future,” concurred Bangladesh Captain Shaila Shamim.

Indian and Pakistan Captains Devika Vaidya and Rameen Shamim meanwhile spoke of the importance such invaluable international experience for some of the younger players.

“It is going to be a great learning experience for everyone and the best part is that everyone is here keen to learn. We’re really looking forward to playing in this tournament. Some of the players might have already played for the country but for others it’s a great opportunity to prove themselves and follow their dreams and play for the country,” explained Vaidya.

“This a great initiative and step from the ACC. In this tournament all the players will try to perform well, and to learn how to face challenges and handle certain situations, and how to react according to match situations,” added Shamim. “Before this tournament players would have to perform in domestic cricket and then go straight through the international game. Now we’re here to perform well, learn how to handle pressure.”

The tournament will see each side play each other once in a round-robin format with the two teams with the most points at the end squaring off in the final. The final will take place on 27 October at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara