New Delhi, July 25 (FN Agency) Former India women cricket team captain Mithali Raj has revealed that she might consider coming out of retirement to play in the inaugural women’s Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking on the episode of ICC’s podcast, 100% Cricket on Monday, Mithali dropped the hint during a candid chat with former England star Isa Guha and New Zealand off-spinner Frankie Mackay. “I’m keeping that option open. I’ve not yet decided,” she said. “There are a few more months to go before the women’s IPL happens. It would be lovely to be part of the first edition of the women’s IPL.” The inaugural edition of the much-vaunted women’s IPL is tipped to launch next year. Mithali announced her retirement last month after a glorious international career spanning nearly 23 years.
“I thought it (retirement) would slow down my lifestyle, in the sense that I don’t have to plan my day, week or next series. After I announced my retirement, I was down with Covid, and when I recovered from that I got involved in the promotional events of the movie (her biopic Shabaash Mithu, which released in theatres in India earlier this month). “So far it is as hectic as it has been as a player, there’s no change to my lifestyle yet. Maybe when all these things die down, I’d probably feel the difference of what it is post-retirement,” she said. The veteran cricketer ended her international career with 7805 ODI runs in 232 matches, at an average just over 50. She also scored 2364 runs in 89 T20Is, as well as 699 runs in 12 Tests, including a century and four half-centuries.