West Indies women All Rounder and Captain Hayley Matthews who helped Barbados Royals to Win Inaugural edition of 6IXTY, expressed her desire to represent Rajasthan Royals in Women’s IPL.
“Obviously it has been so exciting for everyone. The girls went out and played some great cricket all tournament long, so I think this win has given everyone a lot of confidence and belief going into the Women’s CPL,” Hayley Matthews said in an official statement released by Barbados Royals.
Commenting on the 6IXTY, she said:
“It was a fun format to play in with all the new rules which brought new excitement. It seems really fast from the outside, but I feel you still have time to set yourself at the crease, even in the first couple of overs. It’s definitely a format that could grow a lot in the coming years.”
Expressing her thoughts on captaining the Barbados Royals, she said:
“Representing Barbados is always a massive honour for me, and to be part of one of biggest cricket franchises in the world – the Royals, makes me even prouder. I’m really looking forward to leading the team in this year’s Women’s CPL, and hopefully for many years to come,” she added.
Hayley Matthews first came in limelight when she helped West Indies Women to Win ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2016.
18 years old Mathews scored career defining 66 off 45 balls in Final.
“I think it’s still a bit fuzzy actually, I think because I was so young (laughs). Everything was so free-willed. We just went out there and played freely. It was do-or-die and I knew it was one of those days where it could either go your way or might not, so I took my chances and it was pretty amazing in the end. Definitely one of those days that I will cherish forever.”
Playing for Royals Franchise she has now true connection with the franchise, she thanks his close friend and former Rajasthan Royals All Rounder Jofra Archer.
Recollecting one of her favourite memories of Archer, she said:
“When I was probably about 14-15 years old representing Harrison College, I came up against Jofra, who was playing for his Christ Church Foundation school side. He was opening the bowling from one end, along with West Indies U19 opening bowler Jerome Jones, who was bowling from the other end. So, it was pretty fiery to experience as a 15-year-old with both pacers coming in at you at 80-85 miles an hour. But the good thing for me was that Jofra was my friend, so he kept it quite full and straight actually, but Jerome’s deliveries were just whizzing past my neck.”
“When I look back at it all now, I think these are the experiences which have helped me become the player that I am today. But in the end I think Jof did get me LBW or bowled (bursts into a laugh).”
Asked if she would like to play for the Royals’ franchise in the hugely anticipated Women’s IPL as well, Hayley said:
“For sure, I would love to play for the Royals. I’ve experienced an amazing atmosphere with the working group present at the franchise, and they are always very supportive of the girls. Their investment in women’s cricket is appreciable, and I think such investments being made in the right places is what our game needs.”
“Rajasthan Royals have also been my favourites because of Jofra, Oshane Thomas and Obed McCoy. Hence, I would love to continue being a part of the Royals family, and hopefully, I can get to the stadiums donning pink at the women’s IPL next year,” she added.
She also revealed the chat that she have with Barbados Royals Captain David Miller:
“Both of us actually play for Welsh Fire in The Hundred together, so we did have a chat about joining up with the Royals. He’s told me about the amazing culture at the franchise and I wished him well for his CPL season that he’s so excited to be a part of.”
