Women's cricket in Sri Lanka: Does SLC even care? - AOC Podcast with Estelle Vasudevan

Sri Lanka's Women have played one international fixture in the last 650 days

Photo: ICC

When the ICC announced the cancelation of the Women’s World Cup Qualifier in response to the threat of the Omicron variant and the anticipated travel restrictions, there was a strong sentiment that Thailand had been given a raw deal. Not only were they deprived of an opportunity to qualify for their first-ever ODI World Cup, but they were robbed of an opportunity to finish among the top five teams of the Qualifier and earn the right to participate in the Women’s Championship.

It was a different story for Sri Lanka. Had the tournament played out, there was every chance that Sri Lanka would have missed out on both World Cup Qualification and the Women’s Championship.

I mean no disrespect to Sri Lanka’s players. It’s not their fault that their only game of the Qualifier against the Netherlands remains their sole international fixture in the last 650 days. In that time, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has organized two Lanka Premier Leagues, numerous series for the senior men’s team to go along with a full domestic season, and is currently hosting the England U-19 boys for a series being streamed on YouTube.

Sri Lanka was arguably the least prepared team at the Qualifier. They are fortunate that their ranking — and the fact they have ODI status — has allowed them a berth in the Women’s Championship. However, they’re so mighty unfortunate to be stuck with a dysfunctional and apathetic board that has failed to grow the women’s game in the aftermath of an inspiring 2013 World Cup campaign.

To discuss this and more, I’m glad to be joined by Estelle Vasudevan, who writes about Sri Lankan cricket for ThePapare.Com. You can watch the podcast on the YouTube link above or on your favorite podcast channel. If you can, please leave us a review or a comment. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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