Mumbai’s seasoned cricketers, including medium-pacers Sayali Satghare and Saima Thakor, alongside opening batter and off-spinner Humaira Kazi, are buzzing with anticipation for the inaugural Women’s Mumbai T20 League.
With dates yet to be announced, however, as per reports, a three-team tournament will be played soon after the conclusion of the ongoing edition of the IPL 2026. These players with international and Women’s Premier League (WPL) pedigrees see it as a golden chance to propel their careers while mentoring the next generation.
Speaking exclusively to Sunday Mid-Day, 25-year-old Satghare, fresh off her Women’s Test debut in Perth, where she snared four wickets, captured the collective eagerness. “We were waiting for the women’s T20 league since it started for men,” she said. “It’s a great initiative by the Mumbai Cricket Association. This league is going to help find good players and give them a lot of exposure at a bigger stage. It will help Mumbai win more trophies.”
Saima Thakor, 29, who boasts 10 WODIs and three WT20Is from October 2024 to January 2025, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the ripple effect on young talent. “A lot of new players will be getting opportunities to understand their game. The new generation is quite excited to learn as well.” Her eyes are firmly on an India comeback through this platform. “Making a good comeback for India, playing in a World Cup, and being the person doing something special when the team requires are some of my dreams,” added Thakor, who took up cricket at 18.
Humaira Kazi, 32, who was a part of the Mumbai Indians in the WPL for the first two seasons, 2023 and 2024, emphasised team success and nurturing. “We have been doing well as the Mumbai cricket team. The Women’s T20 League is going to help us win tournaments in the upcoming domestic season. This is the best stage for youngsters to showcase their talent.”
Drawing from her WPL stints, she shared, “I got to learn a lot at WPL from the likes of Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt. The way they nurture their teammates with their experiences is something I want to inculcate in the Mumbai T20 League. The more you share your experience, the more you help youngsters perform.”
Sayali Satghare, part of the triumphant Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad that clinched their second WPL title in 2026 under Smriti Mandhana, following Mumbai Indians’ wins in 2023 and 2025 under Harmanpreet Kaur, radiates ambition. “I want to win matches for whatever team I play. I’d love to win the World Cup for India.”
This enthusiasm comes amid a packed Indian calendar. Harmanpreet Kaur’s India side is currently in South Africa for a white-ball series, including a five-match T20I showdown from April 17 to 27 against Laura Wolvaardt’s hosts, South Africa, already leading 1-0 after a six-wicket win in the opener. All eyes will soon shift to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, hosted by England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026, where players like these Mumbai stalwarts dream of starring.
The Women’s Mumbai T20 League promises to be a launchpad, blending experience with raw potential to elevate Mumbai cricket on the national stage.
(Quotes sourced from Mid-Day)
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