G Trisha and Shabnam Shakil, both part of India’s victorious Under-19 World Cup team in January 2023, earned spots in India’s squad for the upcoming Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup in Malaysia. This squad also includes players who will participate in the second edition of the Women’s Under-19 World Cup in February 2024, thereby confirming the BCCI’s decision to allow players multiple appearances in the Under-19 World Cup as part of their development. Consequently, this move reflects the BCCI’s commitment to fostering the growth of young talent.
This marks a shift from the BCCI’s previous policy introduced in 2016, when Rahul Dravid, as head of the National Cricket Academy, set a cap on appearances for men’s Under-19 World Cup players. The move aimed to give new players a chance every two years, but the BCCI has now allowed more flexibility for women players to gain further experience.
The squad for the Asia Cup is led by Niki Prasad, who captained India B to a tri-series title win over South Africa Under-19s and India A in Pune. Prasad scored an unbeaten 49 in the final chase, set up by G Kamalini’s 79. Kamalini, who plays for Tamil Nadu, is also part of the squad and expected to open the batting.
India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan and Nepal. Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and hosts Malaysia. India’s campaign begins against Pakistan on December 15, followed by a match against Nepal on December 17. They scheduled the final for December 22.
India Squad for Women’s U-19 Asia Cup:
Niki Prasad (Captain), Sanika Chalke (Vice-captain), G Trisha, Kamalini G (WK), Bhavika Ahire (WK), Ishawari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodiya, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, MD Shabnam, Nandhana S
Stand-by: Hurley Gala, Happy Kumari, G Kavya Sree, Gayatri Survase
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