Pune, April 17 -- Ratnagiri Jets, the two-time champions of the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) in the men's circuit, announced its official foray into women's cricket by acquiring a franchise in the Women's Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL). In a move that signals serious intent and commitment to the women's game, the franchise named Team India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana as its icon player for the next three seasons.

The left-handed opener, widely regarded as one of the most elegant and consistent batters in the world, was recently conferred the Best International Cricketer of the Year (Women) by the BCCI for the 2023-24 season. She was one of the top picks ahead of the WMPL player auctions, which will take place in Pune on April 17,...