Smriti Mandhana, one of the leading figures in Indian women's cricket, has shared her vision for the future of women’s sports, expressing strong belief in the transformative potential of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). She believes that the WPL can have an impact on women’s cricket akin to the monumental effect the Indian Premier League (IPL) has had on men’s cricket. Since its launch in 2008, the IPL has grown exponentially, becoming one of the most successful and lucrative cricket leagues globally. The IPL has redefined the landscape of Indian cricket, attracting global talent and generating immense excitement, with top players from across the world participating. Mandhana feels the WPL has similar potential to elevate women’s cricket in India and around the world.
The Women’s Premier League, which held its inaugural edition in 2023, has already achieved several remarkable milestones. In its first season, Harmanpreet Kaur’s Mumbai Indians (MI) triumphed as champions, defeating Delhi Capitals in a thrilling final. This was a historic moment in women’s cricket, as it marked the beginning of a new era in the sport. Following this, the 2024 season saw Mandhana captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), leading her team to victory in another exciting final against Delhi Capitals, further cementing the league’s growing stature.
Mandhana was candid about the changes the WPL has brought to the landscape of women’s cricket. She pointed out that for years, players like herself had participated in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, where the idea of a women’s cricket league in India was constantly discussed. "We used to play in the Big Bash League even before the WPL, and everyone used to ask us when we would have our own league, and the WPL came and changed the conversations around women’s cricket," Mandhana said during the unveiling of the report — Sports-Forward Nation. This shift in perception is significant because the WPL now serves as a platform that brings together the best of women’s cricket, showcasing the incredible talent of female cricketers on a global stage.
Mandhana’s hopes for the WPL extend beyond the boundaries of just cricket. She envisions the league becoming a catalyst for a broader change in how women’s sports are perceived in India and the world. Drawing comparisons to the IPL’s impact on the men’s game, Mandhana remarked, "The IPL has done a lot for men’s cricket, and it’s like wow, the WPL can do something similarly for women’s cricket." She also expressed her belief that the WPL will inspire future generations of women athletes, not just in cricket but across various disciplines. Her ultimate goal is for women’s sports to reach a point where young girls in India are not only encouraged to pursue a career in sports but also enjoy widespread support.
Mandhana’s vision is especially personal. “My ultimate dream is to see two women’s teams playing some gully sport and fully enjoying it,” she explained. This statement reflects her deep desire to see sports, particularly cricket, become an accessible and empowering avenue for girls in India. If women’s cricket continues to grow in popularity and inspires more young girls to pick up the bat and ball, Mandhana believes that the impact of the WPL and similar initiatives will be truly successful. As she puts it, “If that happens, then we can say we have inspired girls to take up a sport, and that will be a win for us in our life as sportspersons.” This personal dream reflects the broader objective of normalizing female participation in cricket and ensuring that young girls feel just as encouraged to pursue their sporting aspirations as boys.
Mandhana’s words come at a crucial time for women’s cricket in India, with the WPL continuing to grow in stature and importance. As one of the most recognizable figures in women’s cricket, Mandhana has become a symbol of progress, both on and off the field. She continues to inspire millions of young girls who aspire to be like her, and the increasing visibility of women’s cricket, thanks to initiatives like the WPL, is paving the way for a future where female athletes receive the same recognition and respect as their male counterparts.
Looking ahead, Mandhana is gearing up for another exciting season in the WPL. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), under her captaincy, will start their campaign on February 14, 2025, against Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. With Mandhana at the helm, RCB fans are hopeful for another championship-winning performance, and the anticipation around the upcoming season continues to build. The growing support for the WPL reflects not only the increasing popularity of women’s cricket in India but also the belief in its potential to inspire future generations of athletes.
As the WPL continues to grow, it is clear that the impact of this league will be felt far beyond the cricket field. Mandhana’s leadership and vision are shaping the future of women’s sports in India, with the WPL acting as a powerful platform for elevating the sport and inspiring countless young girls to pursue their dreams. Through its success, the WPL will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible for women in sports, and Mandhana’s ultimate dream of seeing more girls embrace cricket and other sports as a career will bring lasting change to the landscape of women’s athletics.
