Thursday 25 / April / 2024
Muscat: If one were to make a list of India's best women cricketers, Anjum Chopra will certainly be among the top stars of the country.
The highly accomplished Anjum, who led her native country to many a remarkable achievements both as a player and captain, was in the capital city on a private visit but was invited by Oman Cricket to witness the historic moment of unveiling of floodlight facilities at the Ministry of Sports Affairs Ground in Al Amerat.
The former India skipper, still passionate about the game that gave her the opportunity to represent her country with pride and for many years, readily accepted the invitation and was, in fact, pleased to be part of the historic occasion.
During the ceremony, which saw Oman Cricket's Patron-in-Chief His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said officially inaugurate the facilities, Anjum was seen interacting with Oman women's team members and the school cricketers.
And with Oman Cricket in the process of making sincere attempts to develop the women cricketers, it's quite natural to think about her possible involvement with the Sultanate's cricket governing body.
However, the sharp speaking Anjum replied in negative to a query from Times Sport on whether she has been approached by Oman Cricket officials for her involvement in women's cricket development.
"Firstly, I must say that I am on a private visit. I am here (at the unveiling ceremony) because I was invited to attend the function," said Anjum.
"There is nothing more than that," Anjum said while adding: "But I can think on the aspect if requested because it is ultimately helping and encouraging the game."
Oman Cricket's women's cricket co-ordinator Vaishali Jesrani also quipped in to say that no approach has been made to rope in Anjum, who runs cricket clinics under the umbrella of Delhi District Cricket Association.
"I am sort of mentor, selector for women's cricket in Delhi and I keep myself occupied with these aspects," she added.
Anjum also refused to comment on the recent troubles of DDCA.
"I am not involved in these issues and I have nothing to say on DDCA," said Anjum, but 'feeling sad about the game', especially the World T20 games to be shifted out of Delhi.
When pointed out BCCI has shifted India-Sri Lanka T20 from Delhi, she said: "Hope problems are resolved and Delhi hosts the World T20 matches."
Anjum, who became India captain in 2002, praised Oman Cricket for infrastructure developments and wished Oman national team success in the forthcoming Asia Cup and World T20.
For the record, Anjum's first series as captain saw India whitewashing England and also claiming first overseas Test win against South Africa.
The Arjuna award winner Anjum has played 6 World Cups for India and she was bestowed upon with Padma Shri (a respected national award in India) in 2014.
During the ceremony at Al Amerat, Anjum was presented with a memento by Minister of Heritage and Culture and Oman Cricket's Patron-in-Chief His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.
