The Indian Premier League (IPL) is widely regarded as the most celebrated cricketing event across the globe. Over the years, the cash-rich tournament has gone from strength to strength, creating new records of viewership, media rights and revenue.
On the same line, the BCCI has come up with the concept of Women’s Premier League (WPL). The competition, featuring five teams, got underway on March 4 at the DY Patil Stadium with a clash between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians.
While BCCI has left no stone unturned to make the inaugural WPL a huge success, the onus is now on the players to entertain the audience.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Smriti Mandhana is someone who can provide the boost that the WPL needs in the early stage.
RCB will open their campaign against Delhi Capitals on Sunday (March 5).
“I feel women’s cricket is on the verge of going to the next level. I wouldn’t compare with men’s cricket or that sort, but to be involved from the time it (sport) is growing -- I feel that is the USP of women’s cricket because everyone can say we were part of the journey that got women’s cricket higher. Like I would say the 1983 World Cup victory changed men’s cricket. Whoever was cheering for them will be thinking ‘we actually supported men’s cricket to grow, to reach this level’. Women’s cricket is at the stage where people can connect more with us because we are still growing; we want to grow to a level where everyone knows us. And whoever supports women’s cricket will get involved in this journey,” Mandhana said ahead of RCB’s tournament opener.
The star opener said women cricketers have unique skills to offer. “It is still very raw (women’s game). There is more swing I would say, and there’s more timing involved than power.”
In the pre-tournament press conference, journalists made a beeline for interviews.
“As women cricketers, we always wished this happened to us,” Mandhana quipped. “(But) I wouldn’t say I am in the spotlight... I just feel normal, chilling, enjoying playing cricket.”
Smriti Mandhana was the costliest purchase in the first-ever Women's Premier League auction last month. She was roped in by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 3.40 Crore.
However, Mandhana doesn’t think that she will have to deal with the pressure of a hefty price tag.
“Not really. A certain value to a certain player... I wouldn’t really think about it. For me, this happening to women’s cricket is amazing, and I would like to keep that in mind. I don’t think any sort of value is going to add pressure on my mind.”
Having played franchise cricket in Australia and England, the RCB captain is aware of the expectations that come with the job.
“I wouldn’t like to compare both (pressure of franchise and international cricket) because when the franchise pay you, they expect a lot. Also, in franchise cricket you don’t have much time to dwell on the previous match, it’s such a quick turnaround, you have to just keep looking forward. That's one big learning from franchise cricket.”
