Cricket

The rise of franchise cricket has sparked a debate in women's cricket, with former India fast bowler Jhulan Goswami advocating for its prioritization over bilateral series. Goswami, who has been involved in the Women's Premier League (WPL) and Women's CPL, believes that franchise cricket is crucial for the growth of the sport.Goswami highlights the success of franchise leagues like the WBBL and Hundred in producing quality cricketers. She argues that giving priority to these leagues will ensure the availability of top players, leading to more competitive and successful tournaments.The calendar clash between franchise leagues and bilateral series has become a concern, with players facing difficult choices. Goswami suggests that the ICC should prioritize franchise league windows to avoid losing out on quality cricketers. She believes that bilateral series should be scheduled after these windows to ensure the growth of women's cricket.Goswami's views are supported by the busy calendar for the rest of 2024. The women's Hundred, WCPL, T20 World Cup, and WBBL are all scheduled within a short period, followed by international matches and home seasons for various teams.The prioritization of franchise cricket is seen as a way to address the limited pool of quality cricketers in women's cricket. By giving priority to these leagues, the ICC can ensure that the best players are available for the most competitive tournaments, which will ultimately benefit the growth and development of the sport.

Jhulan Goswami, the legendary Indian fast bowler, has joined Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) as a mentor for the Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2024. This marks Goswami's first overseas T20 league stint and a significant addition to the TKR Women's team.Goswami, who retired from international cricket in 2022 as India's leading wicket-taker, expressed her honor at joining TKR. She praised the franchise's success and reputation, stating, "Knight Riders have done so well in India and around the world, and to join TKR Women at the WCPL is a pleasure."TKR, led by former West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin, has assembled a formidable roster for WCPL 2024. The team includes Indian stars Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey, as well as Australian stalwarts Meg Lanning and Jess Jonassen.Goswami's appointment as mentor is expected to provide invaluable guidance and support to the young players in the TKR Women's team. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having played at the highest level for over two decades."The conversation about me joining TKR started with Mr. Venky Mysore [CEO of Knight Riders group]," Goswami revealed. "As a management head, the way he takes care of everyone is amazing. I felt really honored by the way both Shah Rukh Khan and Venky sir welcomed me and spoke to me when we met in Kolkata during the IPL."TKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed his delight at Goswami's signing, saying, "Jhulan Goswami is an absolute legend of the game, and we are very happy to have her on board as the mentor of the TKR Women's team. We strongly believe that under Jhulan's mentorship, the team will reach greater heights."WCPL 2024 will take place from August 21 to 29 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The tournament will feature three teams - TKR, defending champions Barbados Royals, and Guyana Amazon Warriors - competing in seven matches.