India vice-captain sees shift in how women’s cricket is perceived
India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana believes the emergence of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and state-level women’s leagues has marked a new era in Indian cricket—one where women’s cricket is now seen as a revenue-generating, commercially viable sport.
Mandhana, who is set to captain the Ratnagiri Jets in the inaugural Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL), said these new platforms are not just symbolic—they’re structural investments that are changing the landscape for the next generation of cricketers.
The moment you’ve all been waiting for 🤩
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Women’s cricket is proving its value
“I feel, for women’s cricket to have this sort of stage is amazing,” Mandhana said in a statement released by the Ratnagiri Jets. “The very fact that state associations and also the WPL, the way they have supported it, shows that, of course, women’s cricket can generate revenues, which is an amazing thing for the sport.”
Launched in 2023, the WPL has already attracted major brands and broadcasters. Its commercial success has inspired similar initiatives across India, including the WMPL, each of which has shown both financial potential and strong fan engagement.
Commercial investment is driving professional growth
Mandhana emphasized that investment into women’s cricket is not merely promotional—it’s transformative.
“And people are ready to invest money into it. The more professional the sport gets, the better it becomes, especially for grassroots level cricketers,” she said. “From my point of view, we are well beyond promotion in women’s cricket. People are investing—that shows the game is growing and fans want to watch it.”
This financial momentum is reshaping the infrastructure around the sport, enabling clubs, state associations, and corporate sponsors to play a role similar to what the men’s game has long enjoyed.
Youth players now have a head start
Reflecting on her own journey, Mandhana pointed out how significant this shift is for younger players just entering the system.
“To get that at the age of 14-15 is great. We got it a little later, so we had to start developing by looking at international standards,” she said.
“The best thing now is the investment going into grooming young players. We realized the importance of fitness late in our careers, but today’s players are getting it early.”
Mandhana also praised initiatives like the WMPL for preparing players mentally and physically for elite-level cricket.
“I’m sure the club and the initiative will help them understand what is actually needed for the next level—and I’m confident they’ll be well-prepped.”
Mandhana: Women’s cricket in India is ready for the next level
Smriti Mandhana’s remarks signal a major transition for women’s cricket in India—from a sport seeking visibility to one that is now clearly entering a phase of professionalization and profit.
The rise of the WPL and WMPL reflects more than just symbolic progress. These leagues are creating a commercial ecosystem and establishing a pipeline for the next generation of female cricketers.
