Smriti Mandhana Appointed Icon Player for Ratnagiri Jets in Women's Maharashtra Premier League
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Synopsis
The Ratnagiri Jets have announced their entry into women's cricket by acquiring a franchise in the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League and appointing Smriti Mandhana as their icon player for the next three seasons, showcasing a strong commitment to women's sports.
Key Takeaways
- Ratnagiri Jets enter women's cricket with a new franchise.
- Smriti Mandhana named as the icon player for three seasons.
- Focus on nurturing grassroots talent and equal opportunities.
- Inaugural season of WMPL to begin in late May.
- Franchise aims to replicate success from the men’s MPL.
Pune, April 17 (NationPress) The Ratnagiri Jets, who have clinched the title of two-time champions in the men's Maharashtra Premier League (MPL), have officially entered the realm of women's cricket by securing a franchise in the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL). This significant step demonstrates their serious commitment to promoting women's sports, as they have appointed Team India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana as their icon player for the upcoming three seasons.
The renowned left-handed opener, celebrated for her graceful and consistent batting style, was recently honored with the title of Best International Cricketer of the Year (Women) by the BCCI for the 2023–24 season. She emerged as one of the top choices ahead of the WMPL player auctions scheduled in Pune on April 17, coinciding with the men's MPL auctions.
Expressing her enthusiasm about joining the Ratnagiri Jets, Smriti stated, "I’m excited to become a part of the Ratnagiri Jets family as their icon player. The franchise has shown remarkable success in the MPL and possesses a clear vision for women's cricket. I look forward to contributing to this journey and am eager to start playing with my new teammates. Together, we aspire to inspire and win hearts both on and off the field."
With this new chapter in the women's league, the Ratnagiri Jets franchise aims to replicate its success from the men's competition and build a strong team for the inaugural season of the WMPL, which is set to kick off in the last week of May.
The franchise's vision, driven by its WMPL co-owners - JetSynthesys, Royal Goldfieldd Club Resort, Fleetguard Filters Private Limited, and Kranti Wines Private Limited - is centered on a robust commitment to nurturing grassroots talent, promoting equal opportunities in sports, and shaping the future stars of Indian cricket.
The Ratnagiri Jets are currently preparing for the inaugural season of the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League with a strong emphasis on talent scouting, team structure, and community outreach leading up to the tournament.
