The Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL) is set to kick off a new era in women’s cricket, with the inaugural edition of the tournament commencing from the last week of May. In preparation for the season, the WMPL player auction was held on April 17 in Pune, alongside the men’s auction. The four participating franchises – Ratnagiri Jets, Raigad Royals, Pune Warriors, and Pushp Solapur, built their squads by signing one icon player each along with a host of promising talents from across the state.
This format provides a unique opportunity for local players to share the field with some of the best in the game, promising an exciting tournament ahead. With team squads now finalized, fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the league.
Ratnagiri Jets –
Ratnagiri Jets, a franchise that has claimed the MPL men’s title twice, has strengthened its squad by signing Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana as their icon player for the next three seasons. A cricketer of immense stature, Smriti features four ICC awards, including Cricketer of the Year and ODI Cricketer of the Year. With experience playing for RCB in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and leading them to a title win in 2024, Smriti’s presence is a significant boost for the team.
At the auction, Ratnagiri Jets made headlines by securing opening batter Gautami Naik as their highest bid at ₹3.6 lakh. Their 24-member squad also features a balanced mix of wicketkeeper-batters, all-rounders, bowlers, and batters setting the stage for a formidable run in the inaugural WMPL season.
Squad: Smriti Mandhana, Gautami Naik, Dnyanda Nikam, Anushree Swami, Sakshi Kanadi, Shivali Shinde, Tejaswini Batwal, Rasika Shinde, Charmy Gawai, Bhatki Mirajkar, Priyanka Ghodke, Shruti Mahabaleshwarkar, Prerna Sawant, Tejashri Nanaware, Nidhi Shambhwani, Dnyaneshwari Patil, Sanjana Waghmode, Grisha Kataria, Bhumi Phalke, Sruhti Bhoir, Samidha Chougule, Janhavi Bokade, Nandini Sonawane, Priya Kokare
Raigad Royals –
Raigad Royals have bolstered their squad for the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL) by signing Kiran Navgire as their icon player. A skilled middle-order batter with a highest score of 162 not out in the Women’s Senior T20 Trophy 2022, Kiran brings valuable experience under pressure. With 419 runs in 25 matches for UP Warriorz inWomen’s Premier League, she is set to be a key player for Raigad Royals.
The team has assembled a balanced 17-member squad, comprising seven batters, five bowlers, and six all-rounders. Their top auction picks included bowler Isha Pathare and batter Bhavika Ahir, both signed for ₹3.80 lakh. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Raigad Royals look poised for a strong showing in the tournament.
Squad: Kiran Navgire, Madhuri Aghav, Ayesha Shaikh, Sanjivani Pawar, Bhavika Ahire, Shravani Desai, Sneha Bhandare, Aishwarya Wagh, Pradnya Veerkar, Isha Pathare, Janhavi Veerkar, Roshni Parrdhi, Aaditi Gaikwad, Aaditi Waghmare, Yashoda Ghogare, Mehek Mulla, Ananya Chavan, Mihika Dingankar
Pune Warriors –
Pune Warriors have strengthened their squad by signing Anuja Patil as their icon player. A versatile right-handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler, Anuja brings a wealth of experience with 48 wickets in 50 T20 innings and 386 runs, including the highest score of 54. Her impressive all-round skills were on display in the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy 2023-24, where she picked up a remarkable 5-wicket haul and 122* in a single match.
With Anuja at the helm, Pune Warriors have assembled a 23-member squad that boasts a strong bowling lineup, featuring 10 bowlers, 5 batters, and 8 all-rounders. Batter Shweta Mane was their highest bid at ₹4.4 lakh.
Squad: Vaishnavi Shinde, Simran Dabas, Saniya Gawade, Shraddha Girme, Shweta Mane, Ishita Khale, Rishita Saikar, Shivanshi Kapoor, Akshaya Jadhav, Samruddhi Shinde, Shalaka Kane, Abhilasha Patil, Neeti Agarwal, Utkarsha Kadam, Sejal Sutar, Shweta Sawant, Khushi Mulla, Soumyalata Birajdar, Pranjali Pise, Anuja Patil, Samruddhi Dale, Chinmayee Borphale, Suhani Kahandal
Pushp Solapur –
Pushp Solapur has made a bold move by signing 15-year-old Ishwari Awasare as their icon player. A talented right-handed batter, Ishwari was a part of the Indian squad that won the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 and the ACC Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2024. In the Women’s Under-19 One Day Trophy 2023-24, she topped the run-scoring charts with 481 runs in 8 matches.
Alongside their icon player, the 20-member squad looks well-balanced, with a mix of batters, bowlers, and all-rounders. Notably, batter Tejal Hasabnis was the auction’s highest bid at ₹4.4 lakh, adding depth and firepower to the team’s lineup.
Squad: Ishwari Awasare, Tejal Hasabnis, Sakshi Waghmode, Mayuri Thorat, Ishwari Savkar, Asmi Kulkarni, Damini Bankar, Aarti Kedar, Gayatri Survase, Samruddhi Banawane, Swanjali Mule, Sharayu Kulkarni, Nikita Singh, Ekta Nangude, Mukta Magre, Shalmali Kshatriya, Sanika Patil, Navya Dubey, Krishi Thakkar, Aachal Agarwal
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