Women’s APL Set for Franchise Debut in Andhra Pradesh
Former India women’s captain Mithali Raj will play a key role as coach and mentor.
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) will organise the inaugural Women’s Andhra Premier League (WAPL) in Mangalagiri from September 15 to 26, with four teams competing in the franchise-based tournament.
ACA president and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Chinni announced the league on Saturday while addressing the media along with former India captain Mithali Raj. He said the bidding process for the four franchises had been completed.
ACA secretary Sivanath said the women’s league would be conducted on a franchise-based model for the first time and would feature day-and-night matches. The bidding began at ₹35 lakh, with Ushodaya Enterprises Private Limited emerging as the highest bidder at ₹89 lakh. Garrison Constructions secured a franchise for ₹85.59 lakh, Ora Motors Private Limited for Rs 77,77,777 and NSR Industries for Rs 61,11,111. The four teams were formally announced on Independence Day.
Former India women’s captain Mithali Raj will play a key role as coach and mentor. Chinni said the ACA had been utilising her expertise over the past year to promote women’s cricket in Andhra Pradesh and that her guidance had encouraged emerging players, including Sricharani.
The ACA is also planning to establish a Centre of Excellence and academy at Moolapadu in January. The association aims to develop the WAPL franchises on the lines of football clubs, with each team eventually having its own home town and ground.
School students will be allowed free entry to the matches to encourage interest in women’s cricket. The league, which begins with four teams, is expected to expand in the future.
Chinni said the ACA’s primary objective was to provide a strong pathway for players from Andhra Pradesh to progress through the WAPL and APL and represent India at national and international levels. He sought public support for the women’s league.
ACA treasurer Dandamudi Srinivas, director of cricket operations Kalyan Krishna and AG member A. Sushma Ravi Raj were present.
