The powerhouse franchise Ratnagiri Jets, renowned for clinching the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) men’s title twice, has taken a massive leap into the future by officially stepping into women’s cricket.
The franchise now makes headlines by announcing their acquisition of a team in the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL), and in a monumental statement of ambition, they have roped in none other than India’s vice-captain and batting maestro Smriti Mandhana as their icon player for the next three seasons.
The southpaw, celebrated globally for her fluid strokeplay and consistency at the highest level, has been in stellar form and was recently named the Best International Cricketer of the Year (Women) by the BCCI for the 2023–24 season. Her signing comes just ahead of the much-anticipated WMPL player auctions, scheduled to take place in Pune on April 17, 2025, alongside the men’s MPL auction, making her one of the marquee names up for grabs.
Rooted in the heritage-rich Konkan belt, the Ratnagiri Jets franchise has built a culture around excellence, youth development, and community-driven cricket. With its entry into the WMPL, the Jets are not only expanding their legacy but also setting high expectations to replicate their success in the men’s league. The inaugural season of the WMPL is slated to begin in the last week of May, and the Jets are wasting no time in preparing for liftoff.
At the heart of this new journey are the franchise’s co-owners—JetSynthesys, Royal Goldfieldd Club Resort, Fleetguard Filters Private Limited, and Kranti Wines Private Limited. Together, they bring a bold vision focused on identifying raw talent, offering equal platforms for women in sport, and grooming the stars of tomorrow. Their goal isn’t just to win—it’s to leave a lasting legacy in Indian women’s cricket.
Smriti Mandhana’s signing is not just a boost for Ratnagiri Jets; it’s a statement for the league. A proven match-winner, Mandhana already holds the distinction of leading Royal Challengers Bangalore to their WPL title win in 2024. In domestic circles, she proudly represents Maharashtra and has brought countless laurels to her state and nation. Her cabinet features four ICC Awards, including the prestigious Cricketer of the Year and ODI Cricketer of the Year. She has also received the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award twice—in 2018 and 2021—making her one of the most decorated players in the sport.
Her journey of accolades began back in June 2018 when the BCCI crowned her the Best Women’s International Cricketer. In 2021, she was nominated for ICC Women’s T20 Player of the Year, and in January 2025, she clinched the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year title for her performance through 2024.
Backing up the awards are her phenomenal statistics. In Test cricket, Mandhana has amassed 629 runs from 7 matches, reinforcing her mettle in red-ball cricket. Her ODI career has been nothing short of iconic, with 4,209 runs from 97 matches, making her one of India’s most reliable pillars at the top. In the shortest format, she has dazzled crowds with 3,761 runs in 148 T20Is, playing an instrumental role in setting strong foundations for her team. Her flair continues in franchise cricket as well, having scored 581 runs in 23 matches in the Women’s Premier League, a format where she continues to evolve and lead.
With the launch of WMPL and Ratnagiri Jets stepping in with a player of Smriti Mandhana’s stature, women’s cricket in Maharashtra is set to witness a new era of professionalism, excitement, and growth. The countdown to the opening match has begun, and with Mandhana leading the charge, all eyes will be on the Jets as they look to dominate the skies—and the scoreboard.
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