Ahead of the start of the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the ‘Shakti’ mascot and WPL Anthem for the 2023 season.
As per WPL 2023 schedule, the tournament will be played at two venues in Mumbai from March 4-26.
The BCCI secretary Jay Shah unveiled the roaring mascot of WPL on Tuesday. “Fast, fierce and full of fire! She’s ready to set the field ablaze, lekin #YehTohBasShuruatHai ! Introducing the embodiment of the #TATAWPL our mascot #Shakti !,” Shah captioned his Twitter post.
Fast, fierce and full of fire! She's ready to set the field ablaze, lekin #YehTohBasShuruatHai !
Introducing the embodiment of the #TATAWPL our mascot #Shakti ! @BCCI @BCCIWomen @wplt20 @viacom18#WPL2023 #WomensPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/oZcKm7aGwq
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 2, 2023
Meanwhile, the WPL Anthem got released on Wednesday. The song,‘Ye toh bas shuruat hai’, has been composed by veteran singer and music composer Shankar Mahadevan. The lyrics of the song are a tribute to the resilience and determination of Indian women cricketers who have overcome numerous challenges to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
The stage is set, and everyone is holding their breath, waiting for that incredible first delivery! ⏳
Only 3 days to go to the #TATAWPL!@JayShah | #WomensPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/2Tprh8Peik
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) March 1, 2023
Earlier, history was made at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai, which witnessed the first-ever WPL auction on February 13. The five franchises – Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz and Gujarat Titans – were present at the venue to outbid each other. Crores of rupees were spent and life-changing deals were made to acquire the services of the best female cricketers across the world.
Team India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was the first player ever to be sold at the WPL auction. She was bought for INR 3.4 crore by RCB. She also turned out to be the most expensive buy at the inaugural WPL Auction. Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner and Nat Sciver-Brunt of England were the joint-second costliest purchase as they were roped in by Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians for INR 3.20 crore.
