Former India Women’s captain Anjum Chopra has expressed her thoughts on the inaugural Women’s Premier League 2023 (WPL), scheduled to commence from March 4, 2023.
“It’s been a long journey. Finally, the league is happening, the first toss will happen between two franchises of the league… so, yes! It’s a very different feeling from where the sport has come about, from where I started playing cricket. And even who started playing years before me; from there on till today, it’s been a long journey. Just sit back and enjoy the ride,” she told News 18 ahead of the tournament’s campaign opener.
The former left-handed batter found it hard to contain her excitement. She said that it was not only historic but also a revolutionary event about to take place in the world of sport. She rued that she couldn’t be part of the inaugural event as a player, but was looking forward to “enjoying the ride”, as a commentator and viewer.
“For example, I played for Delhi U-19 and then for the North Zone, if that could happen. In 2023, I’m winning an Under-19 World Cup and getting into franchise cricket and then rubbing shoulders with Meg Lanning, Beth Mooney, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana! It’s a big thing for them. If you ask them, they wouldn’t have thought to be here in this situation right now. So, it will be challenging, that is what sport is all about,” she added.
“I see Mumbai Indians as stronger on paper. And Gujarat Giants have suffered a blow – Deandra Dottin has been ruled out and Kim Garth has replaced her. The contest pits Harman against Beth Mooney so I hope, it should be a great game,” she concluded.
