The Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) has taken a remarkable step towards promoting inclusivity in cricket by including three exhibition matches for the women’s team. These matches will be held on June 25, 27, and 28 at the iconic MCA Stadium in Pune.
The MPL aims to provide a platform for female cricketers to showcase their skills and contribute to the growth of women’s cricket in Maharashtra. With teams led by influential captains Smriti Mandhana, Devika Vaidya, and Tejal Hasabnis, these exhibition matches promise to be a celebration of women’s cricket and an inspiration for aspiring young athletes.
Captain & Squad for Maharashtra Premier League announced.
🔵Smriti Mandhana
🔴Devika Vaidya
🟡Tejal Hasabnis3 Exhibition Games are to be played
Date: June 25, 27, 28
Venue: MCA Stadium, Pune#CricketTwitter #MPL pic.twitter.com/DMUaOBGXwF— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 22, 2023
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Team Blue
Smriti Mandhana, a prominent figure in women’s cricket, will captain Team Blue. Mandhana’s remarkable batting prowess and leadership skills make her an ideal choice to lead this talented squad. The team comprises players such as Shivali Shinde, Sakshi Shinde, and Maya Sonawane, who have consistently demonstrated their abilities in domestic and international cricket. The inclusion of players like Laxmi Yadav, Aishwarya Wagh, and Shraddha Pokharkar adds depth and versatility to the team’s roster. These players, alongside their teammates, will strive to set high standards of performance and inspire young girls to take up the sport.
Squad – Smriti Mandhana (C), Shivali Shinde, Sakshi Shinde, Maya Sonawane, Soumyalata Birajdar, Laxmi Yadav, Aishwarya Wagh, Sayali Lonkar, Pradnya Veerkar, Hrutuja Deshmukh, Sakshi Waghmode, Shraddha Pokharkar, Sushma Patil, Priyanka Garkhede, Rasika Shinde, Shweta Sawant
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Team Red
Devika Vaidya, known for her all-around abilities, will spearhead Team Red. Vaidya’s experience and dedication to the sport make her an exceptional leader for this competitive squad. With players like Anuja Patil, Kiran Navgire, and Gautami Naik, Team Red possesses a perfect blend of youth and experience. The team also boasts the talent of Damini Bankar, Bhakti Mirajkar, and Priyanka Ghodke, who are known for their fielding skills and match-winning performances. Team Red will be determined to leave a lasting impression on the spectators and inspire young girls to follow their passion for cricket.
Squad – Devika Vaidya (C), Damini Bankar, Shravani Desai, Bhakti Mirajkar, Aaditi Gaikwad, Tanvi Patil, Ishita Khale, Priyanka Ghodke, Anuja Patil, Kiran Navgire, Gautami Naik, Shweta Mane, Utkarsha Pawar, Isha Pathare, Rohini Mane
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Team Yellow
Tejal Hasabnis will lead Team Yellow, showcasing her strategic acumen and leadership abilities. Hasabnis has the responsibility of guiding her team to success, and her experience will play a vital role in shaping their performance. The team features exciting players such as Ambika Watade, Aarti Kedar, and Rushita Janjal, who have displayed immense potential in their careers. The inclusion of young talents like Samruddhi Banawane and Priyanka Kumbhar showcases the commitment of MPL to nurturing future cricket stars. Team Yellow aims to inspire young girls by demonstrating the power of determination, teamwork, and skill.
Squad – Tejal Hasabnis (C), Tejswini Batwal, Ambika Watade, Poonam Khemnar, Aarti Kedar, Sakshi Patil, Mukta Magre, Rushita Janjal, Ishwari Savkar, Suhani Kahandal, Madhuri Aaghav, Priyanka Kumbhar, Samruddhi Banawane, Isha Ghule, Chinmayee Borpale
The addition of exhibition matches for the women’s teams during the Maharashtra Premier League is a significant step towards providing a platform for female cricketers to showcase their talent and skills; it is encouraging inclusivity and empowers aspiring young girls to pursue their dreams.
These exhibition matches will serve as a source of inspiration for budding cricketers. Witnessing the skill, dedication, and sportsmanship of the players on the field will motivate young girls to take up cricket and work towards making it big in the sport. The visibility and recognition of women’s cricket at such high-profile events will break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for a more inclusive future in the sport.
Sports have always been a huge part of my life, and having played cricket professionally for my state team, I gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the world of sports. With an eye for detail and passion for sports, I’m hoping to make a lasting impact in the sports industry.