Veda Krishnamurthy, Indian women team’s middle-order batswoman, has become only the third Indian cricketer, male or female, to get a contract from Australia’s Big Bash League outfit. The right-handed batswoman has been signed by the Hobart Hurricanes for the forthcoming third edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, starting December 9.
Before Krishnamurthy, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana were signed by BBL outfits last year. Harmanpreet was signed by Sydney Thunder while Brisbane Heat bought Mandhana. However, according to ESPNcricinfo, Mandhana is in danger of losing her contract with the Heat as the franchise has still not made up its mind on whether to renew the opening batswoman’s contract.
Meanwhile, confirming the news, Krishnamurthy revealed the offer came one month ago and also stated that she would be available for ten matches before returning to the country to prepare for India’s tour of South Africa. The tour will start from mid-February while the final of the BBL is scheduled to be played on February 4.
“The offer came about a month ago. I was pleasantly surprised because I wasn’t expecting it. Because our South Africa tour dates weren’t announced then. We were expecting it [the tour] to be in January, so there was some confusion if I’d be able to take up the offer,” Krishnamurthy was quoted as saying by the news outlet.
“Initially, they wanted my availability for the full season. But now, they are okay with me missing the last stages to accommodate the South Africa tour in February. At the moment, I’ll be playing 10 games for Hobart Hurricanes,” she confirmed.
She also said that she took inputs from her teammates- Harmanpreet and Smriti before crediting the World Cup show for the contract. Krishnamurthy played an integral role in the tournament, scoring 153 runs including the 45-ball 70 in the must-win group game against New Zealand.
“I spoke to Harman and Smriti about what to expect. It’s exciting to play in a brand new country, interact with new cultures. I think this is a direct result of ICC promoting the game well. With the World Cup being so well received, new avenues have opened up for cricketers from around the world,” she said.
This deal is a direct recognition of India’s performance at the World Cup. To play in that environment with some of the world’s best will surely add a new dimension to my game,” she added.
Meanwhile, allrounder Deepti Sharma is also in contention for getting a BBL contract.
Deepti is currently in negotiations with a number of franchises.