WPL 2023: Gujarat Giants rope in Mithali Raj as mentor and advisor ahead of inaugural edition

Former India skipper and one of the biggest stalwarts in women's cricket Mithali Raj has been roped in to take on the role of mentor and advisor for the Ahmedabad-based franchise, Gujarat Giants ahead of the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

The former cricketer has been the face of women’s cricket for the national side and will now promote the sport at the grassroots level for the Adani Sportsline-owned franchise. Mithali confirmed taking up the new role as she is keen on helping ‘strengthen the sporting ecosystem’. 

"Women's cricket is growing steadily, and this kind of impetus will undoubtedly encourage young women to consider taking up cricket professionally. I believe that the high-impact participation of corporates will help hasten the process of eventually bringing more glory to India. This level of influence can help strengthen the sporting ecosystem, and enhance opportunities for women athletes,” Mithali said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Sporting heroes like Mithali will attract new talent: Director of Adani Enterprises

The sports development wing of the Adani Group, Adani Sportsline got the green signal to buy a team as the group shelled out INR 1289 crore to own an Ahmedabad-based team. Pranav Adani, director of Adani Enterprises was elated by including the services of Mithali and expressed that adding the likes of the India great would help spot talent across various sports. 

"Mithali Raj is a role model for the young generation, and we are delighted to have such an inspirational athlete on board to mentor our women's cricket team. We believe that the presence of international sporting heroes like Mithali will attract new talent not just into cricket but also into every other sport,” told Pranav Adani.

The inaugural season of the much-awaited WPL is likely to be played between March 4 and March 24 following the conclusion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.