Trisha, Shabnam Join U-19 Asia Cup Squad

The announcement regarding the inclusion of Trisha and Shabnam in the India squad for the U-19 Asia Cup has generated excitement. Both players, who were part of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team earlier in January 2023, will represent India in the women’s U-19 Asia Cup set to take place in Malaysia later this month.

Their selection emphasises a significant decision by the BCCI, reflecting their commitment to the development of young female cricketers. The board has opted to eliminate any restrictions on the number of U-19 World Cup appearances for women, allowing these players to gain valuable experience. This marks a shift from a previous ruling highlighted in 2016, when former captain Rahul Dravid, then head of the BCCI's National Cricket Academy, stated that male players could only participate in one U-19 World Cup to promote the emergence of new talent.

Niki Prasad will lead the squad, having recently captained India B to victory in a tri-series against South Africa Under-19s and India A. During that match, Prasad scored an impressive unbeaten 49, while teammate G Kamalini, another key member of the team, top-scored with an unbeaten 79. Kamalini is anticipated to open the batting for the tournament.

India is positioned in Group A alongside Pakistan and Nepal, while Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and host Malaysia. Their campaign is set to kick off against Pakistan on December 15, with additional matches against Nepal on December 17, potentially culminating in the final on December 22, should they advance.

Squad: 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