MELBOURNE: Star Australian women’s cricketers Ellyse Perry and Alana King called for more representation of South Asian players in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

The launching ceremony of the ninth edition of the WBBL took place here on Monday.

Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry (Sydney Sixers), Georgia Wareham (Melbourne Renegades), Kim Garth (Melbourne Stars), Jemma Barsby (Adelaide Strikers) and Alana King (Perth Scorchers) were present at the glittering ceremony.

While talking to the media Sydney Sixers’ captain Perry expressed her desire to see more South Asian women’s cricketers participating in the WBBL.

“Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan women’s cricket teams have won some important series which has led to the development of women’s cricket,” Perry said.

“A number of South Asian cricketers are featuring in the upcoming edition of men’s Big Bash this year. The participation of South Asian players in the Women’s Big Bash should also continue,” she added.

Perth Scorchers’ captain Alana King echoed Perry’s wish and also asserted that more women’s leagues would be launched soon.

“The more South Asian women cricketers play franchise cricket, the more they will learn,” Alana King said.

“Indian cricketers are also playing in the Hundreds, WBBL has also inspired many cricketers. The people of this region love cricket very much.

“The time is not far when we will see more women’s leagues like men’s cricket.”

For the unversed, the ninth edition of the WBBL will run from October 19 to December 2.

The women’s cricketers also extended their heartfelt support to Australia’s men’s team, who had a dismal start to their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign with back-to-back defeats.

Ellyse Perry termed Australia the ‘favourite’ to win the ICC World Cup 2023.

“Australia is favourite for both Pakistan match in Bengaluru and to lift up the World Cup,” said Perry.

Leg-spin all-rounder King also wished the Australian men’s team luck but termed host India a ‘tough’ team.

“Hosts India would be a really tough opponent, but our good wishes are with Australia men’s squad,” said King.

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