As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 season kicks off with a bang, former Indian cricketer and Gujarat Giants mentor Mithali Raj has weighed in on the future prospects of the tournament. She has made a strong case for taking the WPL to newer cities across the country, suggesting that such a move would significantly enhance the tournament’s standing and broaden its fan base.
The inaugural match saw the Mumbai Indians notch up an emphatic victory over the Delhi Capitals in Bengaluru, setting the tone for a competitive season ahead. Speaking ahead of her team’s opener, Mithali emphasized the potential benefits of decentralizing the tournament venues.
“If WPL moves to every city, it gives the franchise a chance to develop a new audience, who can come and watch it play. This will only improve the profile of the tournament and the franchises,” Mithali conveyed in a statement released by the Gujarat Giants on Saturday.
The statement underscores the notion that engaging different regions could not only expand the tournament’s reach but also foster a more robust connection between the teams and their supporters. Integrating local communities into the franchise model may well be the catalyst needed for a quantum leap in the popularity of women’s cricket.
Mithali, an icon of women’s cricket in India, also shed light on her journey in her new role as a mentor. She has embraced the opportunity to guide budding cricketers, sharing the wealth of her experience, supporting their mental well-being, and enhancing their ability to excel on the cricket field.
“It’s about nurturing young talent, imparting knowledge, and ensuring that players are in the right frame of mind to perform their duties with utmost skill,” she described her mentoring philosophy.
The Gujarat Giants, who have yet to step onto the pitch this season, are preparing to face the defending champions, Mumbai Indians. The much-anticipated match-up is scheduled for the 25th of February at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Beth Mooney, the esteemed captain of the Giants, expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation leading up to the tournament. She conveyed a sense of camaraderie and optimism within the squad, which has been building up over the past weeks.
“There’s a really excellent sort of vibe in the group as it has been together for a little while now. We’ve been working on some specific aspects of the game, and it’s evident that our efforts are bearing fruit. There’s an eager sense of anticipation as we gear up for our first game. I’m confident that the players who step on the field will seize the moment and put in their best effort,” Mooney said.
Echoing her captain’s sentiments, Sneh Rana, who assumed a leadership role in Mooney’s injury-induced absence last year, also speaks of a positive atmosphere and strong team synergy. She highlighted the shared goal of starting the tournament on a winning note.
“The mood is buoyant, the team has bonded well, and we’re all looking forward to beginning the tournament with a strong performance,” Rana articulated the collective mindset of the Giants.
These developments in the Gujarat Giants’ camp lay the foundation for what could be a transformative season for the team and potentially for women’s cricket at large. As they gear up for their opener, the Giants are not only seeking victory but are also becoming a part of a larger movement propelling the Women’s Premier League to new heights in terms of prestige, recognition, and supporter engagement.
