The Women’s Cricket League, hosted by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Mysuru Zone, kicked off at the SJCE campus in the city this morning. This marks the first time that KSCA Mysuru Zone is organising such a tournament to nurture local talent.

Previously, a Women’s Pro Cricket League (WPCL), a T20 Tournament, was held in Mysuru in June 2017 at Manasagangothri and SJCE Grounds. However, it’s the first instance of KSCA Mysuru Zone organising a Women’s Cricket League with support from KSCA Bengaluru.

According to R.K. Harikrishna Kumar, Convenor of KSCA Mysuru Zone, five teams will participate in the matches, featuring a total of 72 players. These teams have been named Cauvery, Godavari, Narmada, Ganga and Yamuna.

The inaugural match today featured Cauvery and Godavari teams. Godavari won the toss and opted to bat first.

The matches consist of 30 overs per side and the top two teams in the League Stage will qualify for the finals.

Notably, there are over seven State players representing various age categories, including Shubha Sathish, P. Saloni, K. Rakshitha, V. Veda Varshini, T. Nireeksha, J. Jyotsna, and Liyanka Shetty. Additionally, six players are already playing for the University of Mysore Women’s Cricket team.

Harikrishna mentioned, “In Karnataka, these Women’s League matches are held only in Bengaluru and it’s a proud moment that the Mysuru Zone KSCA is organising them locally. The main goal is to promote women’s cricket in Mysuru, recognising and fostering the abundant  talent in the region.”

In the future, local cricket Clubs in Mysuru will play a role in identifying women players and including them in the Zonal teams. Plans are also underway to appoint an exclusive women’s coach and fitness trainers who can provide guidance on diet and physical fitness to women players.

Harikrishna emphasised that women’s teams are gaining more opportunities, with the potential for a cricket career after completing their studies.

The financial rewards are also becoming more attractive, aligning with Men’s Cricket Leagues. With the Mysuru Zone opening its doors for Women’s Leagues, players can now enrol in local Clubs and practice locally, eliminating the need to travel to Bengaluru for training and development.

KSCA Mysuru Zone Chairman Balachandar, Past Convener Sudhakar Rai, Tournament Committee Chairman Manjunath, SJCE Physical Director C. Revanna and Club Presidents and Secretaries of Mysuru Zone were present at the event.