Women’s Andhra Premier League gets off to a flying start in Mangalagiri

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Heritage Foods Executive Director Nara Brahmani unveiling the trophy, during the opening ceremony of the WAPL at the Mangalagiri stadium on Saturday. Former Indian womens cricket team captain Mithali Raj is seen.

The inaugural season of the Women’s Andhra Premier League (WAPL) T20 cricket tournament got under way at the ACA International Stadium in Mangalagiri on Saturday amid much fanfare.

Initiated by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) with the aim of identifying and nurturing talented young women cricketers, the tournament will feature 13 matches over seven days at the Mangalagiri stadium. Four teams — Rayalaseema Gen Stars, Godavari Golden Eagles, Amaravati E-Champions and Vizag Fire Birds — are taking part in the tournament.

Nara Brahmani, Executive Director of Heritage Foods, attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the tournament. She, along with former India women’s cricket team captain and WAPL brand ambassador Mithali Raj, unveiled the tournament trophy.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Brahmani described the tournament as an excellent platform for women cricketers to showcase their talent and prove their mettle. She said the participating players would serve as role models for future generations.

The opening match between Rayalaseema Gen Stars and Godavari Golden Eagles was played on Saturday afternoon, followed by the second match between Amaravati E-Champions and Vizag Fire Birds in the evening. Rayalaseema Gen Stars won the opening match, chasing down a target of 117 runs.

Andhra Cricket Association president Kesineni Sivanath, ACA secretary Sana Satish Babu, Andhra Premier League Governing Council chairman Sujay Krishna Ranga Rao and others were present.

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