The Future of the WPL: Smriti Mandhana’s Vision
Women’s cricket has been gaining immense popularity in recent years, thanks to the efforts of talented players like Smriti Mandhana. As the vice captain of the Indian cricket team and the skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mandhana has been a vocal advocate for the growth and development of women’s cricket. In a recent event at the RCB Innovation Lab’s Leaders Meet India in Bengaluru, she expressed her belief that a multi-city format for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) could be the next step in attracting more eyeballs to the sport.
The Power of a Multi-City Format
Mandhana envisions a future where the WPL expands beyond a single location and embraces a multi-city format. She believes that adopting this format would not only create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere but also help women’s cricket reach new audiences in untapped regions. Drawing inspiration from the electric atmosphere at matches held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where fans passionately chant “RCB RCB,” Mandhana emphasizes the importance of creating a similar environment for women’s cricket.
“It would be great to have WPL in the multi-city format. I think that might be the next step and I am sure the people right here would look into it and make it happen. As an RCB fan, I would love to play in Chinnaswamy where people are chanting ‘RCB RCB’ and just to be in that environment. That is something which is one step ahead for us that it (multi-city format) can reach to places where women’s cricket hasn’t reached and to get new audience going into women’s cricket.” – Smriti Mandhana
Investing in the Right Players
With the WPL auction just around the corner, Mandhana highlights the importance of investing in the right players. She acknowledges the careful thought process that goes into determining the combinations needed in terms of player releases and retention. The success of any team, after all, depends on the talent and skills of its players. Therefore, the upcoming WPL auctions are eagerly anticipated by teams like RCB, who are looking to secure the players they believe will contribute to their success in the tournament.
“A lot of thoughts have gone into what kind of combinations we need in terms of releases or retention. So we are really looking forward to the WPL auctions and hopefully, we get the players who we are looking forward to getting.” – Smriti Mandhana
The Impact of WPL on Women’s Cricket
The Women’s Premier League has played a significant role in transforming the landscape of women’s cricket. With its inaugural season taking place earlier this year, the WPL provided a platform for both established and upcoming talents to showcase their skills. The tournament ran from March 4 to March 26, garnering attention and support from fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. However, with the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) scheduled to begin in mid-March, there are discussions about potentially advancing the start of the WPL to February.
The Prospects of Season 2
As the WPL gears up for its second season, there is a sense of anticipation and excitement among players, franchises, and fans alike. The upcoming WPL auction, scheduled to be held on December 9 in Mumbai, will play a crucial role in shaping the composition of the teams for the upcoming season. It has been announced that West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin and Ireland’s Kim Garth have been placed in the top bracket of players, with a reserve price of Rs 50 Lakhs.
“Rs 50 Lakhs is the highest reserve price with 2 players – Deandra Dottin and Kim Garth – choosing to be slotted in the top bracket.” – BCCI press release
The Release List: Changes in RCB
The release list for the upcoming season of the WPL reflects the strategic decisions made by franchises to reshape their teams. Royal Challengers Bangalore, who were early favorites to lift the crown in the previous season, finished in 4th place. As a result, they have made some noteworthy changes in their squad, releasing players such as Dane van Niekerk and Megan Schutt. These decisions demonstrate the franchise’s commitment to reassessing their team’s composition and aiming for a stronger performance in the upcoming season.
The Road Ahead for Women’s Cricket
The WPL has undoubtedly paved the way for a brighter future for women’s cricket in India. With each passing season, the tournament’s popularity is expected to grow, attracting more fans and sponsors. The multi-city format proposed by Smriti Mandhana has the potential to bring the excitement of women’s cricket to previously untapped markets. By taking the game to various cities across the country, the WPL can inspire a new generation of cricket enthusiasts and create a broader fan base.
Conclusion
As Smriti Mandhana envisions a future where the Women’s Premier League embraces a multi-city format, her passion and dedication to the growth of women’s cricket are evident. By investing in the right players and creating an engaging atmosphere, the WPL has the potential to captivate fans and attract new audiences. With the upcoming season just around the corner, the anticipation and excitement among players, franchises, and fans continue to build. The Women’s Premier League is not just a tournament; it is a catalyst for change and progress in women’s cricket.
