Smriti Mandhana has signed as an Icon Player with the Ratnagiri Jets, who have announced their arrival into the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League.

The franchise selected Smriti Mandhana, the vice captain of Team India, as its symbol player for the upcoming three seasons, demonstrating their serious aim and dedication to the women’s game. The two-time men’s Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) champion Ratnagiri Jets announced their official entry into women’s cricket by purchasing a Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL) franchise.

The BCCI recently named the left-handed opener the Best International Cricketer of the Year (Women) for the 2023–24 season. She is considered to be one of the most graceful and reliable hitters in the game. Prior to the WMPL player auctions, which will coincide with the men’s MPL auctions in Pune on April 17, 2025, she was among the top picks.

The Ratnagiri Jets team, which has its roots in the Konkan region’s rich cultural ethos, has gradually established a reputation for success, talent development, and cricket that puts the community first. The team hopes to replicate its success in the men’s competition with this new chapter in the women’s league and assemble a strong squad to participate in the WMPL’s inaugural season, which starts the last week of May.

A strong dedication to developing grassroots talent, promoting equal opportunity in sport, and forming the next generation of Indian cricket stars lies at the heart of the franchise’s vision, which is spearheaded by its WMPL co-owners, JetSynthesys, Royal Goldfieldd Club Resort, Fleetguard Filters Private Limited, and Kranti Wines Private Limited.

Speaking on her affiliation with the Ratnagiri Jets, Smriti Mandhana stated: “I’m excited to become an icon player for the Ratnagiri Jets family. The team has proven to have a clear vision for the women’s game and to be successful in the MPL. I can’t wait to get started right away with my new teammates and am thrilled to contribute to the next phase of this journey. On and off the pitch, we want to inspire and win people over.

Regarding the acquisition and Smriti’s signing, JetSynthesys founder and CEO Rajan Navani said: “As we continue our commitment to the growth of cricket in Maharashtra, expanding into the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League is a natural progression for us.”  We have no doubt that her experience and leadership would improve the team and motivate the upcoming generation of young cricket players in the area.

Smriti Mandhana‘s status as our symbol player reflects our faith in the enormous potential of women’s cricket as well as our declaration of intent.

“Our entry into the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League represents a significant turning point in our quest to create a comprehensive cricketing ecosystem,” stated Rakesh Navani, Joint Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer, Jetline Group of Companies and Finance Director, JetSynthesys. This calculated action demonstrates our dedication to inclusivity and the women’s game’s future. Additionally, it will act as a catalyst for Maharashtra’s grassroots talent development.

The managing director of Royal Goldfieldd Club Resort Limited, Anil Chhajed, stated: “With this team, we’re creating a platform that encourages young girls to have big dreams. Women’s cricket is the lifeblood of the future.” For aspiring cricket players, Smriti’s presence offers faith, intelligence, and a lighthouse.

“Our entry into the WMPL marks an exciting new chapter in the franchise’s journey,” stated Mahindra Lulla, Managing Director of Kranti Wines Private Limited. Our roster gains tremendous strength and star power with Smriti’s addition, and we are sure that this group will start making waves right away.

Fleetguard Filters Private Limited’s managing director, Niranjan Kirloskar, stated: “We are happy to have taken a step ahead in our dedication to women’s cricket by entering the Women’s MPL. We want to highlight up-and-coming talent throughout Maharashtra and motivate the next generation with Smriti Mandhana at our side.

In preparation for the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League’s first season, the Ratnagiri Jets are putting a lot of effort into community outreach, team building, and talent scouting.