Harmanpreet Kaur has been named Mumbai Indians (MI) captain for the inaugural edition of Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Kaur, 33, recently led Team India in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, where she finished with 118 runs in 5 matches, including a half-century in the semifinal against Australia.
Kaur was signed by MI for INR 1.80 crore at the WPL 2023 Auction in Mumbai earlier this month.
Starting from a base price of INR 50 lakh, Harmanpreet was involved in a three-way bidding war between MI, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC). The star batter was the second player to be bought at the auction after Smriti Mandhana.
“I have always seen Mumbai Indians doing well in the IPL. I have the opportunity to be a part of MI and hope we will make a good time. The auction is a game-changer for all of us. It will change women’s cricket, not just in India. MI fans have always been great and hoping to emulate the men’s team,” Kaur said after being roped in by the Mumbai-based franchise.
The Kaur-led MI will start their WPL campaign on March 4 against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil stadium. The side’s newly-formed coaching team comprises Charlotte Edwards (head coach), Jhulan Goswami (team mentor and bowling coach) and Devieka Palshikar (batting coach).
On Saturday, MI also unveiled their jersey for the upcoming season. “Here’s to sun, the sea, the blue-and-gold of Mumbai. Here’s to our first-ever #WPL jersey and all she brings. #OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #AaliRe,” they captioned the post.
🌅- here’s to sun, the sea, the blue-and-gold of Mumbai. Here’s to our first-ever #WPL jersey and all she brings. 🫶#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #AaliRe pic.twitter.com/mOmNg0d9hO
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 25, 2023
The final of WPL 2023 will be played at the Brabourne Stadium on March 26.
