Mithali Raj wants more women’s matches to be televised

Since ICC World Cup 2017, women’s cricket has seen an upsurge in viewership and popularity. According to the recent ICC survey, over 93 per cent of people felt it was the best form of cricket they have watched. Meanwhile, 91 per cent of the viewers enjoyed every bit of the game watching it on television. In comparison to previous years, around 82 per cent of people followed the tournament and almost 67 per cent agreed they would take more interest in the game. India, too, saw massive media coverage during the Women’s World Cup. As many as 92 per cent have seen increase in media coverage over the past two years.

According CricketCountry’s video, the ‘aam janta’ knew a few other players than the regulars Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami and Harmanpreet Kaur. Some even knew which opponents India played against in the semi-final and final. However, there were some who were unaware about know-how of the event.

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Upon knowing the massive response that women’s cricket received, India women skipper Mithali Raj insists matches should be televised. This has been stressed to create more awareness about the game in the surrounding, “There has to be visibility. There have to be matches that are televised because that’s how we can continue the interest we have developed in people to start following women’s cricket,” Mithali told ANI in an exclusive interview.

“We definitely need to play more games, whether it’s T20, ODI to Test format because there has to be continuity after what we have set after the World Cup. The boards and the ICC are certainly looking into it,” she added.

Mamatha Maben, in an exclusive interview with CricketCountry, told how budding youngsters are keen to take up the sport in her academy. Earlier, the same youngsters were reluctant to join her academy. Mamatha credited social media for the growth of women’s cricket.

Mithali insists the sport should be an integral part for school girls, “We should also encourage young girls in schools to take up the sport and have a school team,” she concluded.

Although BCCI have insufficient funds for women’s IPL, they have hiked the wages and are planning to build an A team.