Anju Jain, a former India cricketer and UP Warriorz assistant coach, has called the Women's Premier League a historic moment that will empower women across the country.
The much-anticipated WPL 2023 season will kick off on March 4 in Mumbai with a match between Gujarat and Mumbai Indians.
"For me, the WPL is a historic event because I believe we have all been waiting for a Women's League for quite some time. Finally, it's happening, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it "Anju Jain stated.
"It's going to be a game-changer for women's cricket here in India, and it's going to play a transformative role in how the women's game is perceived here in the country," said a source close to the project.
The right-handed batter and wicket-keeper, who played 65 WODIs for India, also expressed her desire to play in the WPL.
"I believe that playing franchise cricket is every cricketer's dream nowadays. I wouldn't say I have one regret, but I would have loved to play in the T20 format and be a part of the WPL as a player "she said in a media release.
Anju, who still holds the record for most WODI stumpings with 51, explained how far the women's game has progressed since her playing days.
"It has undoubtedly changed and evolved significantly. Since the BCCI took over, the facilities have improved dramatically, the number of women's games has increased, and the facilities, both on and off the field, have improved dramatically. The grounds on which they play and train have also vastly improved, hastening the development of these players "According to the former India captain.
"But it's important to me that every era has played a role in the development of the women's game, and it's here today because those senior players who came before us struggled and went through that phase, and then we guys came, and the game progressed, and these guys now get a chance to enjoy and perform at the highest levels. So, yes, I believe each era has played an important role in the development of the women's game, to which they have contributed. I believe that this is one of the best eras for female cricketers "She went on to say.
The 2005 Arjuna Awardee also discussed how she would like the current UP Warriorz squad to approach each game. "I believe you should ask Jon this question, but I believe Jon has made it abundantly clear that we must be aggressive. That's how we're going to approach each game, by being positive and aggressive in all of them."
She believes that the WPL will not only benefit women's cricketers in the country, but will also empower women across the country.
"The WPL will very much empower women across the nation, because there's a lot to see, it's not only the female cricketers who will get an opportunity and a platform, they're going to be a lot more opportunities for the women to come into the administration part of the game. There will be many more opportunities created by the league, ranging from scorers to general umpires.
Anju concluded by urging fans to attend the stadiums, saying, "I hope they come in large numbers to watch the games. We would appreciate their support throughout because that is what really matters because having good support encourages the players to perform and play better. So, I'm confident that the more support we receive from the fans, the better the players will perform."
On March 5, the UP Warriorz will play the Gujarat Giants in their first Women's Premier League game at the DY Patil Cricket Stadium in Navi Mumbai.