As we reflect on the year 2023, it throws up pivotal moments in India’s sporting history, particularly for women’s cricket. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has proved to be a transformative force, marking a defining moment in the trajectory of the women’s game in India. Lauded as a “groundbreaking” and “unprecedented” move by the BCCI, the inaugural season of the WPL left an indelible mark, with the Mumbai Indians clinching the trophy and signalling a long-awaited transformation in the landscape of women’s cricket.
Not long ago, the Indian women’s cricket team had little experience of playing in front of packed stadiums or enjoying a massive fan base. The glittering world of the IPL, with its glitz, glamour, and financial stability, seemed distant. However, the success of the Women’s Premier League has changed this narrative, offering India’s women cricketers the opportunity to play in front of enthusiastic crowds and experience the spotlight on them.
The most significant impact of the WPL is evident at the domestic level. Players like Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, and Titas Sadhu are now poised to make big strides in their careers. The league has opened doors for young girls and women across the country, eliminating the hesitation in choosing cricket as a career. Mithali Raj, a stalwart of Indian women’s cricket, believes that the WPL will bring about a substantial change in the lives of young women players. Those who may not have had the chance to represent India now have the opportunity to continue their cricketing journey through the franchise league. Others may use the WPL as a stepping stone to the India squad. The possibilities are limitless.
In conversations with Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, both regulars in the Indian team, the glaring gap between domestic and international cricket became apparent. The Women’s Premier League emerged as a solution to bridge this gap. Emerging talents from the domestic circuit now find themselves sharing the dressing room with international stalwarts such as Meg Lanning. They can learn from a Heather Knight, or be mentored by Mithali. The WPL offers invaluable intangibles that players can benefit from endlessly.
The impact of the WPL extends beyond the players to include women umpires, who found a major stage to showcase their ability. The league served as a platform for less-experienced umpires to gain exposure to cricket played under heightened scrutiny, thus breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity.
The Women’s Premier League in India is not merely a tournament; it is a catalyst for transforming the cricket ecosystem. It serves as a nurturing force, providing a platform for budding talents to bloom and inspiring dreams that echo beyond the boundary ropes. As the league unfolds, it becomes more than just a game. It is a promise of empowerment, a testament to the potential that women’s cricket holds. With every shattered stereotype and every boundary that’s crossed, the Women’s Premier League is propelling the sport towards a more inclusive future.