The inaugural WPL appears to be having a similar impact to the IPL in terms of providing opportunities for women’s cricket players to play and earn money.
Jasia Akhtar, a cricket player from Kashmir, was ecstatic when Delhi Capitals (DC) purchased her for Rs. 20 lakhs at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction prior to the league’s debut in March.
Akhtar had hoped to make an impact with her power-hitting skills under the direction of Australia’s Meg Lanning. Akhtar was devastated even though DC advanced to the final.
Spurt in women’s T20 leagues all over India thanks to WPL
She was named Player-of-the-Match and Player-of-the-Series. After smashing two impressive centuries against Venture XI. And MCC Estilo Legends in the championship game.
”Although there is competition and it would be great if we could get other platforms. Our goal is to play for India. The Women’s Dhaka Premier League is coming up soon. And I’m excited about that as well”, said Akhtar.
The Goan pacer Shikha Pandey participated in the GWPL. Which attracted more than 100 cricketers from all over India. The Venture XI was led by Baroda’s star all-arounder Tarrunam Pathan.
Due to a conflict with the inter-zonal, she had to skip the inaugural Baroda T20 Women’s Challenge. Which was held right before the WPL.
Minnu Mani, a 23-year-old star player from Kerala who was purchased by DC for $30 lakh. And was chosen to play in the WPL. Mani participated in the first T20 women’s league that the KSCA organized a few years back while playing for the Falcon XI.
The most widely played women’s cricket format is now 20-over cricket. Only white-ball competitions are organized by the BCCI. T20 women’s leagues in India are a trend that was started by KSCA. Having this platform is such an advantage for women.
This will be the fourth season of the league and KCA intends to host another T20 league in the following year. The standard of women’s soccer in India will rise, according to Mani, a tribal from Kerala’s Wayanad district, thanks to expanding domestic leagues and the WPL.
Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh association has begun a neighbourhood league. Which will run from May 19 to May 24.