03 August 2020

Australian international Alyssa Healy attacks India’s cricket board for scheduling T20 tournament during Women’s Big Bash League

Australian international cricketer Alyssa Healy has hit out at the Indian board of control for cricket for scheduling a women’s T20 challenge tournament at the same time as the Women’s Big Bash League.

Healy, who is contractually obligated to play in the WBBL, described the decision to make the two events clash as ‘so dumb’.

But she has received criticism for her reaction on Twitter with some accusing her of selfishness.

She said: "Selfish?! If you actually read the thread it’s about players - including the Indian players with WBBL contracts who’ve been wanting to play it.

"Also includes every other international player who’d love to support the Women’s IPL but can’t because they’re contracted to WBBL."

Standing up for other players who will be unable to feature in the T20 challenge event, she added: "So the Indian players who’ve already signed WBBL contracts will do what? And all the international marquee players that will be in aus for WBBL? Good luck with it.

"Our tournament is set and prepared. There won’t be any understanding. Fairly sure players will abide by their contractual agreements in Aus. Especially considering it’ll be leading into finals."

Healy’s Australian teammate Rachel Haynes, who is vice-captain of the international team, was also critical of the scheduling.

She said: "If true, it’s a shame... while the game continues to grow, premier domestic competitions do not need to compete against each other.

"They can be used to showcase the game and support its development around the world."

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