India women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to schedule more Test matches for the women's team, emphasizing the importance of red-ball cricket for the sport's development. Her remarks come ahead of the historic Test against England at Lord's in 2026, which will mark only the second women's Test at the iconic venue since 2014.
Call for Increased Test Opportunities
Speaking at a press conference, Kaur stated, "We need more Test matches to improve our skills and compete at the highest level. The BCCI has been supportive, but we require a consistent calendar." The Indian women's team has played only one Test in the last two years, a drawn match against Australia in 2023. Kaur highlighted that limited exposure to the longest format hinders the team's ability to develop strategies and adapt to conditions.
Historic Lord's Test in 2026
The upcoming Test at Lord's is part of a multi-format series against England, scheduled for June 2026. This will be India women's first Test at Lord's since 2014, when they lost by 33 runs. Kaur expressed excitement about the fixture, calling it a "dream come true" for many players. She added, "Playing at Lord's is special, but we want to ensure we are well-prepared with enough red-ball cricket."
Current Test Cricket Landscape
India women have played 40 Tests since their debut in 1976, with 8 wins, 6 losses, and 26 draws. In contrast, the men's team has played over 500 Tests. The disparity in opportunities is stark, with women's Test cricket being sporadic globally. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), only 14 women's Tests have been played since 2020, compared to 150 men's Tests in the same period.
BCCI's Stance and Future Plans
The BCCI has not yet announced a dedicated Test calendar for the women's team. However, reports suggest that the board is considering adding more Tests in the next FTP cycle (2025-2029). Kaur's plea aligns with growing calls from players worldwide for more red-ball cricket. Former India captain Mithali Raj also advocated for more Tests, stating, "Test cricket is the ultimate test of skill and temperament."
Impact on Women's Cricket Growth
Experts believe that increased Test matches will enhance the quality of women's cricket. Coach Amol Muzumdar noted, "More Tests will help players develop patience and technique, which are crucial for success in all formats." The demand also comes amid rising viewership and investment in women's cricket, with the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup final attracting over 1.5 billion views globally.
