Smriti Mandhana: WPL Is Starting to Do What IPL Did for Men’s Cricket believes the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is paving a powerful path for women’s cricket, just like the Indian Premier League (IPL) did for men’s cricket nearly two decades ago.
WPL’s Rising Impact: Smriti Mandhana Sees a Bright Future for Women’s Cricket
India Women’s vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, has shared her strong views on how the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is helping shape a new era for women’s cricket in India. With three seasons now complete, the WPL is already leaving a big impression. Mandhana says WPL Is Starting to Do What IPL Did for Men’s Cricket — creating excitement, boosting fan engagement, and inspiring the next generation of female players. She highlighted that the WPL’s growth in recent years is leading to a surge in young girls attending matches, much like the IPL’s impact on men’s cricket, which has sparked widespread interest and admiration for the sport.
Smriti Mandhana praised the growth of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) over the past three years, acknowledging its powerful influence on the next generation of cricketers. She shared, “We’re seeing more and more young girls in the stands, and many of them tell us they want to be cricketers too. That’s something really special.” Mandhana emphasized how the WPL is gradually following the path of the IPL, having a similar impact on women’s cricket as the IPL did for men’s cricket.
She noted that five years ago, most of the fans in the stadiums were men. But today, there’s a big shift — young girls are coming not just to watch, but to dream. Mandhana is confident WPL Has Started Doing What IPL Did for Men’s Cricket, as it continues to inspire more young talents in the years ahead. The growth of the WPL is fostering an environment where girls can see role models in the game, motivating them to pursue cricket as a career.
Alongside this growth in popularity, Smriti Mandhana is also focusing on another key area: nutrition. Speaking from her own experience, she said that young players today should be better informed about what they eat, which is why she wants to guide them at her Dubai-based cricket academy. Mandhana emphasized that proper nutrition plays a crucial role in an athlete’s performance and development. She explained that WPL Has Started Doing What IPL Did for Men’s Cricket by not only bringing attention to women’s cricket but also to the overall wellness of the players. Through her academy, Mandhana aims to ensure that emerging cricketers have access to the right knowledge and support to thrive both on and off the field.
“When we were younger, we didn’t know much about nutrition. We ate a lot of junk food. But now, if it’s taught from a young age, it can really help a player’s growth,” she explained. Smriti Mandhana emphasized that WPL Has Started Doing What IPL Did for Men’s Cricket by focusing on the overall development of players, including their nutrition. She also plans to bring in professional nutritionists to support players both personally and professionally.
Meanwhile, Mandhana is set to return to action soon. She will lead India in a tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa from April 27 to May 11, which will serve as an important warm-up for the Women’s World Cup in India. As the WPL continues to expand, players like Smriti Mandhana are ensuring that WPL Has Started Doing What IPL Did for Men’s Cricket, making it a powerful platform for the future of women’s cricket.
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