Harmanpreet Kaur has urged her teammates to concentrate on India's opening clash of the Women's T20 World Cup against Pakistan on Sunday, February 12, and not the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction, which is reported to be taking place on the very next day.
The latest reports by Sports Tak suggest that the auction was supposed to be held on the 12th, but given that the Indian players will play their all-important World Cup match against Pakistan on February 12 at the Newlands in Cape Town, the new dates are either February 13 or 14. But Harmanpreet has her proteges only focused on the game at hand.
"Before that [the auction], we have a very important game and we are just going to focus on that," Harmanpreet was quoted as saying at the T20 World Cup captains' pressers.
However, Harmanpreet did appreciate the ideology behind the league and cited the examples of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and the Women’s Hundred and how that helped in the growth of Australian and English cricket.
"It's a really big day for all of us because we have been waiting for years and years now. The next two or three months are very important for women's cricket. We have seen how the WBBL and the Hundred have helped their countries improve their cricket. Hopefully, the same will happen for our country," she stated.
The Team India skipper has played in multiple franchise tournaments, such as the Kia Super League, the WBBL and the Women’s Hundred over the years. With India getting its own cash-rich Women's league, Harmanpreet expects a high bar in terms of talent to emerge from the country
"That is something which has a very different feeling. When I got that opportunity, it was the biggest life-changing moment. Other girls will also experience this. It will be a great opportunity to improve cricket and grow the game," Harmanpreet said.
"The World Cup is more important than anything else. Our focus is on the ICC trophy. These things will keep coming, and as a player, you know what's important for you and how you need to keep your focus. We are all mature enough and know what is important for us," she added.
Before the World Cup, will take on defending champions Australia and then Bangladesh in two warm-up matches on February 6 and 8 respectively.
