India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed starting a women’s Indian Premier League as soon as p[ossible and the inspiration for that came from him watching The Hundred’s opening match between Manchester Original Women and Oval Invincibles Women.
"I watched a women’s game between Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals. Though names were different, the game was outstanding, and women’s cricket is here to stay. I’d be glad if women’s IPL is all set to happen,” said the bowling all-rounder in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.
The newest format of cricket, The Hundred has received its fair share of criticism and praises and Ashwin lies on the side of praise as he called it exciting and a festival of cricket.
"Hundred format has had an exciting start, and let’s see how it goes. Many believe this format can affect the performances of players. But I have found The Hundred enjoyable, and it can be called a sporting festival season. After tough times, experiencing live sports in cricket is something great,” said the 34-year-old, who would be taking on England as part of Team India with the first of the five Tests starting August 04 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
Legends of the game like Sunil Gavaskar have criticised The Hundred as being insipid and not as religiously followed by fans as an IPL or BBL is. Reacting to the criticism, Ashwin, who himself is rated more as a Test player with 413 Test wickets and more than 2500 runs, says that people do not accept change easily.
"Those who did not understand this format commented vaguely about frequent changes in rules and formats. To many, innovation is not encouraged and is often misunderstood,” he said.
"When someone films a movie, we should watch it in the theatre and then criticise it. Making irrelevant comments even before going to the theatre does not work. We should appreciate the attempt and give credit to it."