'None of my business' - Harmanpreet Kaur's epic response to journalist's 'women's cricket losing interest' remark

Harmanpreet Kaur-led India are set to play their opening match in the Women's Asia Cup against arch-rivals Pakistan on Friday, July 19. Ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, the Indian skipper attended the pre-tournament press conference, where a reporter irked her with a controversial question.

The continental event will be played in the T20 format this year, and Sri Lanka are hosting it exclusively. The tournament will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet will be hoping to lead the Women in Blue to a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title this month. In the press conference, she spoke quite clearly about India's aspirations from the tournament, which she hailed as 'very important' for her side.

Also Read: 'We are very greedy to win every game' - Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of Women's Asia Cup

The 35-year-old gave an epic reply to a reporter, who asked her if people were losing interest with women's cricket. A reporter pointed out that when India last toured Bangladesh in April-May, "less journalists appeared on the press conferences, what is your opinion?"

"Well, that's none of my business, you guys have to come and cover us," Harmanpreet bluntly retorted, as she managed to silence the reporter in an instant.

Harmanpreet has a well-documented history with the Bangladesh Cricket Team. During an ODI in Dhaka last year, she expressed her displeasure after a controversial call from the umpire led to her dismissal. She dismantled the stumps with her bat and also called the umpiring "pathetic" at the post-match presentation ceremony. When both teams posed for a photograph, Harmanpreet also allegedly shouted to invite the umpires too, suggesting that they favoured Bangladesh.

The right-handed batter received three demerit points for dissent and was also fined, even getting a two-match ban. Since then, she has been a controversial figure in Bangladesh media, and many decided to rebuff her during India’s tour of the country.

Eight teams will be competing in the Women's Asia Cup 2024. India, Pakistan, UAE, and Nepal are placed in Group A, while Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are pitted against each other in Group B. Nepal and the UAE kick-start the tournament in Dambulla on Friday in an afternoon fixture before India and Pakistan square off in the evening.