Veteran Indian seamer Jhulan Goswami said on Wednesday the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would decide whether the Women-in-Blue would play Pakistan or not in the ICC Women’s Championship. Goswami, however, also stressed on the importance of playing the matches as ICC Women’s Championship points were at stake.
“It will be decided by the BCCI. We do not know what will happen against Pakistan, but yes all the matches are important for us and we should try to play positive and good cricket in those matches,” Goswami said.
Earlier, India’s ODI skipper Mithali Raj had said the limited overs series against England was crucial as Team India might not play against Pakistan.
“The last time, I remember that we were short of three points and that is why we had to play the qualifiers. It has always been on our minds that we probably would not play against Pakistan and that is why, whatever matches we play against whoever, we should play those keeping in mind that we need those points,” Raj, who is also the highest run-getter in women’s ODI, said.
Currently, Team India is placed at the second spot in the ICC Women’s Championship table with 16 points from 14 games. Pakistan are placed at fifth spot with 12 points under their name from 14 matches.
“I think since South Africa tour I have been bowling well. I bowled well in the series against England and Sri Lanka as well. Now, I am just enjoying my rhythm and I am trying to control the things as much as I can. As a senior player, I have a lot of responsibility and as you get older you need to stick to the plans,” Goswami, who was awarded player of the match in second ODI against England, said.
India will next take on England in the final ODI of the three-match series on February 28 at the Wankhede Stadium.