Pune: Maharashtra’s Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Rural Development Minister Rajkumar Gore, and Protocol Minister Rajkumar Rawal swapped their political roles for cricket bats during the inauguration of the Women’s Cricket Premier League in Wagholi. The event, organized by Ratnadeep Foundation, saw the three ministers enjoying a friendly game of cricket and reminiscing about their youthful days on the field.

The ministers each batted for two overs, displaying their enthusiasm for the sport and expressing their support for initiatives encouraging women in cricket. The league has drawn participation from 52 teams, with over 650 women athletes competing in the event.

During the event, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India, emphasizing the importance of sports like cricket in the country’s progress. He remarked, "The efforts to advance India in global sports, including cricket, are integral to the nation’s development."

Rural Development Minister Rajkumar Gore assured his commitment to Wagholi's growth, stating, "Although Wagholi has been included in the municipal corporation, I will continue to contribute towards its development."

Protocol Minister Rajkumar Rawal emphasized Maharashtra’s role in India’s sporting achievements, stating, "Maharashtra will lead in events like the Commonwealth Games, Olympics, and Asian Games. Local governance will surely shine with success."

The inauguration was attended by dignitaries, including MLA Rahul Kul and other notable figures like Anup More, Nivedita Ekbote, and Pradeep Kand. Ratnadeep Foundation's Sandeep Satav and Ratnamala Satav, who organized the league, were commended for their efforts in promoting women’s cricket.