India women can be on a par with men - Rao

Women's cricket in India can become a much more exciting spectator sport - like the men's game - according to a former India captain. Poornima Rao has welcomed the BCCI's takeover of the women's game, believing that with the board's input the sport can transform itself.

"The common compliant is that women cricket is a dull affair with a lack of pace and speed," Rao told The Hindu newspaper. "With BCCI pitching in, women cricket's will transform on a par with the men's cricket."

The former state captain Manjula Kishore added:"We always wished to come under the shelter of the BCCI as it is the richest sports body in the country. The decision will make parents and players happy as there is no need to run around for financial help. The girls can concentrate on the game whole-heartedly."

Rao and Kishore were speaking at Vijayawada on Thursday, where trials were being held to select the first official Andhra Cricket Association women's senior team for the inter-zonal tournament in Hyderabad which starts next week. Both were selectors, and they were joined by the former Andhra captain Bhaskar Ramamurthy in their task.

The Andhra Cricket Association have confirmed that senior players will receive Rs 1500 per day, as well as air travel or air-conditioned train travel. Junior players will receive the same travel arrangements, and their fee will be Rs 500.