Smriti Mandhana is one of the icon players in the first-ever Women’s Maharashtra Premier League
Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, will be playing in the first-ever Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL). This tournament, starting in June, will feature four teams competing in T20 matches. It’s a big deal because it’s the first state league exclusively for women, organized by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) with help from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The matches will be held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Gahunje, beginning on June 24. Alongside Mandhana, other well-known players like Devika Vaidya, Anuja Patil, Kiran Navgire, and Shraddha Pokharkar will participate, making it an exciting event. This shows the growing popularity of women’s cricket in India.
Apart from showcasing talented players, the tournament aims to provide opportunities for new faces to shine. There are also substantial cash prizes – the winning team will receive Rs 20 lakh, and the runners-up will get Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, there will be individual awards for outstanding performances.
The action kicks off with an auction on April 27, where franchise owners will buy teams. Then, on May 11, there will be another auction to select players for each team. This gives teams a chance to plan and build their squads carefully.
Hosting such a significant tournament emphasizes the increasing support for women’s cricket in India. Following the success of the Women’s Premier League, there’s much anticipation for the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League. It’s not only important for women’s cricket in Maharashtra but also for the entire country, promoting the sport nationwide.
In a cricket-loving country like India, the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League shows the rising popularity of women’s cricket. It’s a fantastic opportunity for female players to demonstrate their skills and compete at a professional level. This tournament is expected to inspire a new generation of cricket players and fans.
Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to the start of the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League, excited to witness some incredible cricket talent and thrilling moments on the field.
Repurposed article originally published in SPORTSTAR
