The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to discuss and decide what the future is for Harmanpreet Kaur in the role of captain of the Indian women’s cricket team after the recent unexpected exit of the Women in Blue in the group stage of the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 which is taking place in the United Arab Emirates. The T20 World Cup 2020 runners up were unable to reach the finals after finishing third in the Group A points table, winning two and losing two out of four matches played.
India ended the group stage matches with a total of four points, which unfortunately, was not enough to ensure qualification for the semi finals.
After losing the last group match by 9 runs to Australia at the Sharjah stadium on 13th October, India’s situation hinged on the outcome of the New Zealand vs Pakistan match scheduled for Monday. However, following the White Ferns’ decisive victory over Pakistan by 54 runs, India was eliminated.
The Women in Blue were expected to clinch the Women’s T20 World Cup title this year however disappointment reigned as they could not perform in crucial matches.
As noted by Indian Express on Tuesday, BCCI is expected to hold a meeting with the selection committee, and coach Amol Muzumdar regarding Harman’s captaincy. This meeting is expected to occur before the announcement of the team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand set to commence on 24th October.
It has been learned that while there is no danger to Harman’s position in the team, it is likely that contracts of some of the support staff will not be extended.
“The BCCI will definitely deliberate on appointing a fresh captain going forward. The Indian board has spared no effort in catering to the needs of the team and in our view, it is time to introduce a new face in the leadership of the team henceforth. Harmanpreet will remain an integral part of the team, but BCCI thinks that it is the right time for some changes,” as cited by Indian Express.
In 2016, Harman took over the reins as the captain of India’s T20I setup. Thanks to her efforts, the team India reached the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup held in 2018 and 2023 and was the runners up in 2020.
