New Delhi: Indian women's cricket team's former captain Mithali Raj has hinted at coming out of retirement to take part in the first edition of the women's Indian Premier League (IPL). The legendary Indian batter announced retirement from all forms of cricket last month. The first season of the women's IPL between six teams is expected to begin next year. Mithali said she has kept all her options open to play in the first edition of the women's IPL.
In the first episode of ICC's Podcast, 100% Cricket, Mithali said, "I am keeping my options open for now. I haven't made any decision about it yet. There are a few more months left for the women's IPL to happen. It would be great to be a part of the first edition of the Women's IPL."
Mithali, who debuted in international cricket at the age of just 16, had a long career spanning 23 years. During the podcast, she spoke highly about opener Shafali Verma, and how the young player has left a deep impact on her.
The former Indian women's cricket team captain said: "I have been a big fan of her game. I have seen that she is someone who has the ability to single-handedly win matches for India against any attack and any team. She is one of those players that you probably get to see once in a generation."
"When I saw Shafali in a domestic match when she played against Indian Railways, she scored a fifty but I could see a glimpse of a player who could change the entire match just with her innings," said Mithali.
"And when she played for Velocity in the first edition of the Challenger Trophy (women's T20 Challenge 2019), she played for my team and I saw that she has the ability and the raw power that you rarely get to see at that age to clear the boundary and hit a six at will," she added.