BCCI hopeful that The Hundred will enhance India's World Cup chances

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is hopeful that, the Hundred will provide much-needed exposure against much-fancied opposition sides ahead of next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.



Talking to Reuters, BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal said, "The idea is for them to get exposure in England." He further added, "Some of our boys have played county cricket, and that has given them a great opportunity and exposure. We want to take women's cricket forward similarly. This experience will definitely come in handy in the World Cup next year."



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India’s T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur, openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues and all-rounder Deepti Sharma will participate in the inaugural edition of The Hundred. This is by far India’s largest assemblage participating in the overseas franchise-based leagues.



After missing out on any international cricketing action due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian team will play a Test match under the leadership of Mithali Raj against England starting June 16. It will be followed by three One Day Internationals and three T20Is before The Hundred begins. India will play its maiden pink-ball Test in Australia in September.



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If BCCI manages to plan the Women's T20 Challenge in October, this will be one of the busiest seasons for India’s top players. Regarding the T20 Challenge, Dhumal said, "We're trying to figure out if that can be played with the UAE leg of the IPL. Hopefully, we'll get a window. We'll have to see venue availability as well."



The Hundred will be launched at The Oval on July 21 with a historic women's match ahead of the men’s with Oval Invincibles hosting Manchester Originals.