The Mumbai squad for the inaugural Women’s T20 League assembled for their first-ever training session on Saturday, February 25th. The squad, led by India and Mumbai skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, will see her joining after the team’s exit from the 20-20 World Cup. The team’s coach, Charlotte Edwards, addressed the players and was in a jovial mood. The former England player got to know the local Indian players, and batting coach Devika Palshikar was also seen speaking with the players.
Mumbai, who are set to play their first match against Gujarat on March 4th, have managed to assemble a strong squad for the WTL. They have players such as Nat Sciver, Amelie Kerr, Hayley Matthews, Chloe Tryon, and Heather Graham. Mumbai boasts a strong foreign contingent and has also managed to bag a few upcoming Indian stars such as Dhara Gujjar, Priyanka Bala, Humairaa Kaazi, Jintimani Kalita, and Sonam Yadav.
Here’s Mumbai’s first training ahead of WTL:
First team huddle, first training session for our team – all?#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #AaliRe #WPL pic.twitter.com/zmCX7PvuaU
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 25, 2023
The Women’s T20 League has also managed to secure sponsorships from Dream11, CEAT Tyres, and Amul, among others. The Indian Cricket Board recently confirmed the Tata Group as the title sponsor for the league. Alongside the Tata Group, Dream11 and CEAT, long-time Indian T20 League sponsors, have also joined as partners for the Women’s Premier League. Dairy giant Amul has also pledged Rs 2.5 crore per season as a ‘pouring partner’. As the pouring partner, Amul will be the official beverage partner during the games.
With the addition of CEAT, and Amul, BCCI continues to rake in big money before the first Women’s T20 League season. Dream11 and CEAT have joined the WTL bandwagon, pledging a combined Rs 10 crore every season. The sponsorship deals highlight the increasing interest in women’s cricket in India and the potential for growth in the sport.
Overall, the Mumbai Indians are looking to start the Women’s T20 League 2023 on a positive note, and with the strong squad they have assembled, they are expected to put up a good fight in the tournament. The league’s success will pave the way for a brighter future for women’s cricket in India, and the sponsorship deals will help the Indian Cricket Board to further invest in the development of the sport.
