New Delhi:
Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur have made a name for themselves in Twenty20 Internationals and playing in the Women's Big Bash League in Australia has only enhanced their reputation. Jemimah Rodrigues, the upcoming star of the team was also in the wings for a Women's Big Bash League contract after a superb season with Yorkshire Diamonds in the Kia Super League. However, all three players are expected to miss the fifth edition of the Women's Big Bash League due to national commitments and the demand for the BCCI for resting their key players ahead of the World T20.
The Women's Big Bash League is expected to begin from October 23 to December 8 but that is coinciding with India's international summer. After the Twenty20 Internationals, India play South Africa for three ODIs and they will also tour the West Indies for one month.
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Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, BCCI's general manager (cricket operations) Saba Karim said, "The BCCI doesn't discourage any of our women's players from taking part in overseas leagues as long as their participation [in those tournaments] doesn't clash with their national duties. In this case, there's an international series to be played, so that will automatically be on top of their list of priorities," Karim said.
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Harmanpreet played for Sydney Thunders last season and has reportedly been approached by the Melbourne Stars. Mandhana has played for Brisbane Heats, followed by Hobart Hurricanes. Before the World T20 in February, India will also play a tri-series which will involve Australia and England, two top teams in the format. Australia are the current champions in the Twenty20 format while India were eliminated in controversial circumstances during the clash against England after their star player Mithali Raj was omitted for the match.
