A new chapter will be written in the history of Indian cricket when Gujarat Giants will square off against Mumbai Indians in the first-ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) fixture at Dr. DY Patil Stadium on Saturday (March 4). The BCCI ended the women cricketers’ wait for a T20 league of their own earlier this year and after all the efforts and hard work, the tournament will kick off with great pomp and show.
The franchise owners of three teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) own a team in WPL as well. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have been part of IPL in every season and will make their presence felt in WPL as well.
Before the season, RCB made an interesting decision by roping in Sania Mirza as their mentor. The tennis legend is one of the greatest players in her sport but she hasn’t been associated with cricket in any form. Talking to players, Sania explained her role to them and clearly stated that she will not be able to help them in cricket as she doesn’t have any knowledge about the sport.
First of all, it’s such a pleasure to be part of RCB. I know nothing about cricket…not really. What I am gonna do? What I am gonna talk to the girls? For me, I am recently retired – last week actually – so I was like, what’s my next step in life? My next step in life was to try and help women athletes around and in India or in any sport. To help with the mental aspect of things which I have been through in past 20 years,” the tennis icon said.
“Somebody has anything to talk about, I am here. I can give you my number, even when I am not here, I am available on the phone. So, yeah we can have a chat and I am really excited to be part of it.”
Smriti Mandhana-led RCB will kick off their campaign against Delhi Capitals in an afternoon game on Sunday (March 5). Heather Knight, Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, Dane van Niekerk, Megan Schutt, Richa Ghosh and Renuka Thakur are among capped players in the team.
