There are certain individuals whose outstanding contributions to the sport become inseparable from their identity. Jhulan Goswami is one such figure; although she said goodbye to international cricket in 2022, she is now nurturing a promising future for the upcoming generation of players.
Her passion ignited into a blazing commitment after witnessing the Women’s ODI World Cup final at Eden Gardens in 1997, leading to a remarkable career that has inspired millions both on and off the pitch. Currently serving as the bowling coach and mentor for the inaugural WPL champions, Mumbai Indians, Goswami plays a pivotal role in the transformative landscape of franchise cricket.
At 42, she is convinced that franchise cricket is essential for advancing women’s cricket on a global scale. “Tell me how many matches were televised before these franchise leagues like WPL came into being, how many people would come to the stadium? With franchise leagues, the viewership has increased, and there’s more financial aid than what players get from bilateral series. What many players earn from a single WPL season is more than what they receive from a full year of a BCCI contract,” she noted.
Women have already etched their names into the annals of history. The Women’s ODI World Cup, held in 1973, is the oldest global tournament, predating the men’s version by two years. In terms of personal achievements, Belinda Clark made history as the first double centurion in ODI cricket. While there has been plenty to discuss regarding women’s cricket, the media has been hesitant to provide dedicated coverage.
Coverage has generally been sparse, focused mostly on major tournaments or occasional stories about legendary players. However, the WPL has changed the narrative. Social media engagement, vital for boosting franchise cricket’s reach, has illuminated the other side of the sport. Media outlets have now embraced robust coverage during prime viewing hours, no longer regarding women’s cricket as a sidelined venture.
Viacom 18’s impressive $116 million deal prior to the tournament kick-off indicated a rising interest. With WPL partnering with IPL, brands now have a fresh ecosystem to explore. For a month, these women have been featured prominently on marketing boards, and the presence of high-profile endorsements has cultivated a growing fanbase. The founders must have worried about their innovative approach failing, but instead, it has blossomed into a notable triumph.
Fans have begun developing an emotional bond with the WPL. After Richa Ghosh’s nail-biting loss against Delhi in the previous season, social media erupted with tributes to the tenacious player. Anticipation surrounding high-stakes matches has become a topic among enthusiasts who feel a sense of belonging towards the league. The inaugural WPL theme captured this sentiment – “Har Zubaan par Tera naam” – and the results are visibly positive.
Reflecting on the advancements in women’s cricket since WPL’s inception, the legendary Jhulan Goswami remarked, “Let me give you the example of MI’s Sajeevan Sajana. In her very first match last year [against Delhi Capitals], under the pressure of needing five runs from one ball, she hit a six to lead us to victory. While Sajana had already been excelling for her state team, WPL gave her the stage for instant recognition. Previously, no one watched women’s cricket, and matches weren’t televised. When she hit that six in front of a packed stadium, it pivoted the course of her career—she managed to represent India and played in the World Cup.”
Jhulan Goswami highlighted the significance of fostering camaraderie and togetherness within a franchise system. “In a tournament like WPL, team dynamics are crucial because players come together through an auction, unlike national teams where players are automatically selected. We strive to maintain a positive atmosphere in the dressing room so that everyone feels free to express themselves on the field. The MI motto promotes fearless cricket, and we ensure they stay true to that.” The Mumbai Indians have proven to be formidable competitors in the WPL, winning the title in 2023 and finishing second on the points table in 2024.
Though delayed, merit is never overlooked. A single moment can dramatically alter a player’s trajectory, with hard work invariably rewarded. Simran Shaikh, who resides in Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, was signed by Gujarat Giants for ₹1.90 crore, becoming the most expensive buy of 2025. If the right opportunities are afforded to the right individuals, we could witness more players like Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh emerging onto the scene.
Image Source: Jhulan Goswami @ Instagram
