Academy director

Indian Premier League: India women's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana believes the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is beginning to replicate the same impact that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has had on men’s cricket in the country since its inception on this very day in 2008.

“For sure, in the last three years, we have seen the way WPL has grown as well, and the amount of girls coming out to watch WPL matches. I think 4-5 years back you would see a lot of guys watching games in the stands. But now I think we see a clear shift in a lot of even girls coming (to see games).

“Like, small girls (are) coming up to us as well, and saying that we aspire to be cricketers, which is a really nice thing. WPL for sure has played a major impact in terms of the way I think T20 cricket has reached, and the entertainment value it definitely gets. What IPL has done for men's cricket over the last 17 years, I am sure WPL has just started to do that,” said Smriti to IANS on the sidelines of launching City Cricket Academy in Dubai.