How Does Franchise Cricket Elevate Professionalism for State-Level Female Cricketers? - Mandhana

New Delhi, June 5 (NationPress) India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who is set to lead the Ratnagiri Jets in the first season of the women’s Maharashtra Premier League (MPL), asserts that participating in franchise cricket will introduce a new level of professionalism for state-level female cricketers.

With the kick-off of the Women’s MPL on Thursday, Maharashtra will join the ranks of states like Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Bengal, all having their own women’s T20 franchise tournaments, which are likely to attract attention from scouts of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). “This platform is beneficial for state associations and Maharashtra, particularly since there will be numerous WPL scouts watching. Such performances can also be crucial for players aiming to secure a position in the state side,” she commented.

“Having this opportunity is fantastic. I firmly believe that franchise cricket introduces a distinct level of professionalism to the sport. The state-level girls who partake in it will certainly be better prepared for the next stage of their careers.

“The franchise owners come with unique expectations, and adapting to that environment fosters player development and maturity. I’m confident that many girls from Maharashtra will gain immensely from this experience,” Smriti stated ahead of the tournament's opening.

When asked about the franchise's grassroots initiatives through the Jets Club aimed at nurturing future female cricketers, Smriti explained, “Starting at the age of 14–15 is an excellent advantage. We began our journey a bit later, thus we had to develop our skills by looking at international standards.

“Currently, the best aspect of women’s cricket in India is the increasing investment aimed at developing players. We recognized the significance of fitness and other factors quite late in our careers. However, I’m certain that the club’s initiatives will enhance their understanding of what is essential for advancing to the next level, ensuring they are adequately prepared.”

“The emergence of clubs and organizations in cricket—something that has long been present in men’s cricket—is truly wonderful. I believe many girls will greatly benefit from this. The impact on the number of girls involved will be significant, and I’m certain that within 3–4 years, we will witness changes and improvements in the Indian team’s performances.”

Regarding discussions with her teammates about managing the pressure of televised league matches, Smriti remarked, “I wouldn't classify it as pressure. Pressure accompanies every moment on the field, so there's no need to add to it. When you don the jersey, you aim to perform at your best for the team—this inherent pressure is always present. We will view it as motivation instead of pressure.

“My primary message to them is to enjoy the game and create a positive atmosphere. Winning trophies is great, but what lingers in memory is the journey we experience over the month or those 20 days as a united squad.

“Let’s prioritize having fun together. I don’t differentiate between senior and junior players; it’s more about experience levels. I began my cricketing journey in Maharashtra and am thrilled that the state is launching a women’s league. Representing a team is always an exhilarating opportunity, and I’m particularly excited for the girls from Maharashtra to have this platform to showcase their talents.”

The Ratnagiri Jets will compete against the Raigad Royals on Thursday at 7:00 PM IST, exclusively on JioHotstar.