Smriti Mandhana says WPL and WMPL are boosting women’s cricket: ‘Greater professionalism will only improve the game’

Smriti Mandhana, the vice captain of the India Women’s team, emphasised the WPL’s expansion and appeal, saying it has demonstrated the sport’s capacity to bring in a sizable sum of money. The WPL began in 2023 and has already seen three seasons, during which time a number of gifted young players have emerged.

After witnessing the success of leagues like the WPL, Smriti Mandhana , who guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to the championship last year, stated that investors are eager to invest in women’s cricket.

In an effort to influence the direction of women’s cricket, state boards are launching women’s leagues in addition to the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). The southpaw will play in the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League’s (WMPL) first season. The Ratnagiri Jets, who have won the men’s MPL thrice, will be led by her. On Thursday, June 5, the Ratnagiri Jets will play the Raigad Royals.

“I think it’s fantastic that women’s cricket has this kind of platform, and the fact that state associations and the WPL have backed it in this way indicates that it can definitely make money, which is fantastic for women’s cricket. People are also willing to put money into it. In my opinion, cricket will only improve as it becomes more professional, particularly for amateur players. In a statement released by Ratnagiri Jets, Smriti Mandhana stated, “I think this is just amazing for them.”

Promotion is obviously one thing, but in my opinion, women’s cricket has progressed much beyond that. People’s willingness to invest, in my opinion, indicates that women’s cricket is becoming more popular and that people want to watch it,” Smriti Mandhana continued.

In the inaugural WMPL game, Hasabnis leads the Pune Warriors in a successful chase.

After chasing down a 140-run goal in 19.4 overs with five wickets remaining, Pune Warriors defeated Solapur Smashers by five wickets on Thursday to start the WMPL. Teja Hasabnis, the captain of Pune, took the lead and laid the groundwork for the historic victory with a well-calculated 54-ball 69.