The Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) 2023 T20 tournament kicked off with great fanfare at the MCA International Stadium in Gahunje. The event was marked by a dazzling ceremony, featuring a captivating performance by actress Amruta Khanvilkar and the presence of esteemed cricketing personalities. The opening ceremony not only set the stage for an exhilarating tournament but also paid homage to the pioneers of women’s cricket in Maharashtra. Let’s delve into the highlights of the ceremony and the exciting matches that await cricket enthusiasts in the MPL 2023.
Felicitating Women Cricket Pioneers: Prior to the tournament’s commencement, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) took the opportunity to honor the women team members from the 1973 squad. Legends like Madhuri Sawant, Shama Lunkad, Vijaya Patil, Kalpana Tapikar, Ujwala Pawar, Nilima Joglekar, Shubhangi Kulkarni, and the current Indian international player Smriti Mandhana were felicitated for their remarkable contributions to the sport. This gesture showcased the MCA’s appreciation for their invaluable role in shaping women’s cricket in Maharashtra.
Distinguished Guests and Officials: The ceremony was graced by the presence of prominent individuals associated with the MCA and esteemed guests. MCA President Rohit Pawar, Vice-President Kiran Samant, Secretary Shubhendra Bhandarkar, Joint-Secretary Santosh Bobde, Treasurer Sanjay Bajaj, and MPL Chairman Sacheen Mulay presided over the event, emphasizing the MCA’s commitment to promoting cricket in the state. Additionally, members of the MCA apex council, including Suhas Patwardhan, Sunil Mutha, Vinayak Dravid, Keshav Vaze, advocate Ajay Deshmukh, Rajwardhan Kadambande, Atul Jain, Kamlesh Pisal, Sushil Shewale, Ranjeet Khirid, and Mrs. Kalpana Tapkir, graced the occasion, lending further significance to the tournament’s inauguration.
Inaugural Match: The inaugural match between Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Puneri Bappa and Kedar Jadhav’s Kolhapur Tuskers commenced with a coin toss conducted by MCA President Rohit Pawar. This exciting clash set the stage for the thrilling encounters that will unfold throughout the tournament, captivating cricket enthusiasts from Maharashtra and beyond.
Upcoming Matches: The MPL 2023 promises a series of enthralling matches, featuring the finest cricketing talents from Maharashtra. On Friday, June 16, fans can anticipate an afternoon game at 2 pm between the Eagle Nashik Titans and the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Kings, followed by an evening match at 8 pm between the Ratnagiri Jets and the Solapur Royals. These contests will showcase the skills of both established players and emerging stars, creating an atmosphere of competition, sportsmanship, and cricketing excellence.
Anticipating Excitement and Celebration: As the MPL 2023 unfolds, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an action-packed tournament that will captivate their hearts and ignite their passion for the sport. The league not only showcases the immense talent of Maharashtra’s cricketing heroes but also serves as a platform for budding players to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves. With thrilling matches on the horizon, the MPL 2023 promises to be a celebration of cricket’s spirit, camaraderie, and the rich sporting heritage of Maharashtra.
The Maharashtra Premier League 2023 T20 tournament has begun on a grand note, with a splendid ceremony at the MCA International Stadium. The felicitation of women cricket pioneers and the presence of distinguished guests and officials added an extra layer of significance to the event. As the tournament progresses, cricket enthusiasts can expect a series of thrilling matches that will showcase the talent and potential of Maharashtra’s cricketing stars. The MPL 2023 promises an electrifying atmosphere and an opportunity to witness the spirit of the game unfold before our eyes.
