Almost after six months of Women’s World Cup, where India led by Mithali Raj ended as the runners-up, Indian women’s squad are playing their international tournament in South Africa.
However, the cricket fans were left heartbroken after they got to know that the three-match One-day International series between India and South Africa would not be telecast on television.
The Indian women team are set to play three ODIs and five T20I matches in the Rainbow Nation. The ODI series is a part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Championship to qualify for the 2021 World Cup.
The opening match of the series is being played today at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley.
Not just the telecast, there isn’t any live commentary of the match in any portal, not even from the BCCI women’s official Twitter handle.
Even the ICC Live Scores section is not giving any update about the on-going match.
#ProteasWomen ready to begin their run chase with Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee opening the batting. Jhulan Goswami will bowl the first over for @BCCIWomen #AlwaysRising #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/VB0vMhHhcM
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 5, 2018
However, after the cricket fans expressed their disappointment over no broadcast, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) blamed Cricket South Africa for no broadcast.
According to a report in ‘The Field’, a media representative of BCCI was quoted saying as “BCCI does not have the rights for the matches that are played outside India.”
The representative also said that the Twenty20 matches of both men and women will be shown Live on TV.
INNINGS BREAK: @BCCIWomen have posted 213/7 at the end of their 50 overs, Mandhana top scored with 84. #ProteasWomen will have a target of 214 for victory in the first ODI here in Kimberly. #ProteasWomen #SAvIND #AlwaysRising pic.twitter.com/NPKWIzTZKk
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 5, 2018
With no live broadcast, there were blunders made in the all live scores as there was news that Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana opened the batting for India. The confusion about who is batting at the other end of the crease continued until the fall of the first wicket (Poonam Raut on 19 runs).
At the halfway stage @BCCIWomen look in a good position. Great contributions throughout the innings from Mandhana who has 52*, Raj on 21. 99/1 #AlwaysRising #ProteasWomen #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/mOz0YHx47F
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 5, 2018
Even the BCCI’s official handle tweeted about the dismissal of Mithali Raj instead of Raut. However, the tweet was later deleted.