Ratnagiri Jets Enter Women's Maharashtra Premier League With Smriti Mandhana As Icon Player

In a landmark move that emphasizes its dedication to advancing women's cricket, the Ratnagiri Jets have ventured into the Women's Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL). This expansion not only marks their official entry into the women's circuit but also highlights their intent to replicate their successful formula from the men's game.

The two-time champions of the men's Maharashtra Premier League have taken a significant step by recruiting Team India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana as their icon player for the upcoming three seasons, signaling a strong start to their women's league campaign.

Smriti Mandhana, celebrated for her elegance and consistency on the cricket field, has recently been honored as the Best International Cricketer of the Year (Women) by the BCCI for the 2023–24 season.

Her selection as an icon player ahead of the WMPL player auctions, scheduled alongside the men's MPL auctions in Pune on April 17, 2025, reinforces the franchise's strategic approach to building a competitive team.

Mandhana's inclusion is poised to not only bring her expertise but also inspire the next generation of cricketers. "I'm thrilled to join the Ratnagiri Jets family as their icon player. The franchise has demonstrated success in the MPL and a clear vision for the women's game.

"I'm excited to play a part in shaping the next chapter of this journey and cannot wait to hit the ground running with my new teammates. Together, we aim to inspire and win hearts both on and off the field," Mandhana expressed, reflecting her enthusiasm and commitment to her new team.

Building on a Legacy of Success and Community Engagement

Rooted deeply in the Konkan region's rich cultural ethos, the Ratnagiri Jets have not only cultivated a winning tradition but have also prioritized talent development and community engagement.

By extending their operations to include a women's team, they are looking to mirror their men's team achievements. With the inaugural season of the WMPL set to commence in the last week of May, the franchise is focused on assembling a robust team capable of competing at the highest level from the start.

The initiative to enter the WMPL is supported by the franchise's co-owners: JetSynthesys, Royal Goldfield Club Resort, Fleetguard Filters Private Limited, and Kranti Wines Private Limited.

Together, they share a vision of nurturing grassroots talent and fostering equal opportunities in sports. This collaboration aims to shape the future stars of Indian cricket by providing a platform for young talents to shine.

Leadership and Vision: Driving the Women's Game Forward

The leadership behind this strategic move has been vocal about their objectives and the anticipated impact on the women's cricket landscape. Mr. Rajan Navani, Founder and CEO of JetSynthesys, stated, "Expanding into the Women's Maharashtra Premier League is a natural progression for us as we continue our commitment to the growth of cricket in Maharashtra.

"Having Smriti Mandhana as our icon player is not just a statement of intent, but a reflection of our belief in the immense potential of women's cricket. We're confident her leadership and experience will elevate the team and inspire the next generation of young cricketers across the region."

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Rakesh Navani, Joint Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer, Jetline Group of Companies and Finance Director, JetSynthesys, highlighted the significance of this expansion: "Our expansion into the Women's Maharashtra Premier League marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to build a holistic cricketing ecosystem.

"This strategic move reinforces our commitment to inclusivity and the future of the women's game. It will also serve as a catalyst for nurturing grassroots talent across Maharashtra."

Representatives from Royal Goldfield Club Resort, Fleetguard Filters, and Kranti Wines have also shared their excitement and objectives regarding their involvement in women's cricket, emphasizing empowerment, inspiration, and the pursuit of excellence.

As the Ratnagiri Jets gear up for the WMPL's first season, their focus remains steadfast on scouting talent, structuring the team effectively, and engaging with the community. With a blend of experienced leadership, a celebrated icon player, and a commitment to the sport's growth, the franchise is set to make a significant impact in women's cricket.