The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 witnessed a fiery on-field exchange between Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and UP Warriorz all-rounder Sophie Ecclestone during their high-intensity clash at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on March 6. The confrontation unfolded in the final over of UP Warriorz’s innings, sparking a heated moment that quickly became the talk of the tournament.

Tensions flare in WPL 2025 between Harmanpreet Kaur and Sophie Ecclestone

The controversy ignited when the umpires informed Harmanpreet that her team was running four minutes behind the over rate. Mumbai would be forced to keep an additional fielder inside the 30-yard circle for the last over. The MI ?captain strongly opposed the decision, engaging in a heated argument with the on-field officials, visibly fr?ustrated at being penalized at such a crucial juncture.

As the disagreement between Harmanpreet and the umpires continued, Ecclestone, standing at the non-striker’s? end, decided to intervene. Unimpressed with the delay and seemingly irritated by the prolonged discussion, the England star walked towards Harmanpreet and appeared to offer her opinion on the situation. However, Harmanpreet was in no mood to entertain Ecclestone’s input and immediately signaled the England cricketer to step away with a fierce expression and animated gestures, clearly indicating that she wanted her to stay out of the matter.

Here’s the video:

pic.twitter.com/cQfs1sajx9

— Blablabla (@Bhaukal_ba1) March 6, 2025

Also READ: Not MS Dhoni! B?eth Mooney p?icks the greatest wicket keeper of all-time

Ecclestone’s late cameo and Amelia Kerr’s heroics define UP Warriorz’s innings

While the verbal spat stole the spotlight, Ecclestone had already played an impactful role with the bat for the Warriorz. After the team suffered a middle-overs collapse, triggered by Amelia Kerr’s sensational five-wicket haul, Ecclestone’s three boundaries in her brief 11-ball stay at the crease provided UP with some much-needed late momentum, helping them reach a competitive 150-run total.

Meanwhile, Harmanpreet eventually had to accept the umpire’s decision, adjusting her?? field placements as per the rule despite her frustration. As tensions settled, Kerr stepped in to console the MI skipper, calming her down before the crucial run chase. The clash between two of the fiercest competitors in the game quickly caught the attention of fans, with social media buzzing with reactions. The heated exchange between Harmanpreet and Ecclestone added another chapter to WPL’s growing legacy of intense rivalries, making the match a memorable spectacle.

Also Watch: Sophie Ec?clestone rattles Harleen Deol’s ??stumps with a stunning delivery

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to launch its third season on February 14, 2025, with the final match scheduled for March 15 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The tournament will be held across four cities: Vadodara, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Mumbai. Mumbai Indians (MI), who won the ina??ugural WPL in 2?023, are aiming to reclaim their title this year.

Mumbai Indians’ road to redemption

After a successful inaugural season in 2023, where they defeated the Delhi Capitals in the final, Mumbai Indians couldn’t defend their title in 2024, losing to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator. This year, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, MI are focused on returning to their win??ning form.

MI boast a strong batting lineup, featuring players such as Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur and Sajeevan Sajana. The team also acquired young talent in the auction, picking up 16-year-old all-rounder G. Kamalini and South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk.

MI’s strength and weakness

Mumbai Indians posses??s a well-rounded team with depth in both batting and bowling. Their batting unit is considered one of the best in the competition, and the addition of new talent has further stren??gthened their squad.

The team will need to address the areas where they fell short in the previous season, particularly in the Eliminator match. Overco??ming these c?hallenges will be crucial for a successful campaign.

Also READ: Women’s Premier League 20?25: Best playing XI of UP Warriorz?? ft. Deepti Sharma

MI’s best playing XI for the Women’s Premier League

1. Yastika Bhatia

• Role: Opening batter and wicketkeeper.
• Strengths: A technically sound left-handed batter who can provide solid starts. Her ability to rotate the strike and play aggressive shots when needed makes her a reliable opener. She is also a dependable wicketkeeper.
• Impact: Her role at the top ensures stability, and her wicketkeeping adds value to the team’s fielding unit.

2. Hayley Matthews

• Role: All-rounder (opening batter and off-spin bowler).
• Strengths: Matthews is a dynamic player who can dominate with the bat and bowl economical off-spin. Her ability to hit boundaries consistently and her knack for picking up crucial wickets make her invaluable.
• Impact: She provides explosive starts with the bat and controls the middle overs with her bowling, making her a key player in all phases of the game.

3. Harmanpreet Kaur

• Role: Middle-order batter and captain.
• Strengths: Known for her aggressive batting style, Harmanpreet is a match-winner who can single-handedly change the course of a game. Her ability to play spin and pace with equal ease makes her a versatile batter. She is also a handy off-spin bowler and a sharp fielder.
• Impact: As the captain, she brings leadership, experience, and calmness under pressure. Her ability to anchor the innings or accelerate when needed makes her the backbone of the team.

4. Nat Sciver-Brunt

• Role: All-rounder (top-order batter and medium-pace bowler).
• Strengths: Nat is one of the best all-rounders in the world, known for her ability to contribute with both bat and ball. She is a powerful hitter and a clever medium-pace bowler who can break partnerships.
• Impact: Her dual skills make her a game-changer, providing balance to the team. She can stabilize the innings or accelerate as per the situation.

5. Amelia Kerr

• Role: All-rounder (middle-order batter and leg-spin bowler).
• Strengths: Kerr is a technically gifted batter and a world-class leg-spinner. Her ability to read the game and adapt her bowling accordingly makes her a potent weapon. She is also a brilliant fielder.
• Impact: Her all-round abilities add depth to both batting and bowling, and her calm demeanour under pressure is a huge asset.

6. Amanjot Kaur

• Role: All-rounder (medium-pace bowler and lower-order batter).
• Strengths: Amanjot is a handy medium-pace bowler and a capable lower-order batter. Her ability to contribute in both departments makes her a useful utility player.
• Impact: She adds balance to the team and can chip in with crucial performances when needed.

7. Akshita Maheshwari

• Role: All-rounder (lower-order batter and medium-pace bowler).
• Strengths: Akshita is a young, promising all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. She is a hard-hitting batter and a disciplined medium-pace bowler.
• Impact: She replaces Pooja Vastrakar and provides depth in the lower order while offering a reliable bowling option.

8. Saika Ishaque

• Role: Bowler (left-arm spinner).
• Strengths: Saika is a crafty left-arm spinner who can bowl in the powerplay and middle overs. Her ability to turn the ball and deceive batters with her variations makes her a wicket-taking option.
• Impact: She is a crucial part of the spin attack, often breaking partnerships and controlling the run flow.

9. Shabnim Ismail

• Role: Bowler (right-arm fast bowler).
• Strengths: Ismail is one of the fastest bowlers in women’s cricket, known for her ability to bowl consistently at high speeds. Her yorkers and bouncers are particularly effective.
• Impact: Her pace and aggression make her a lethal weapon in the powerplay and death overs, often picking up early wickets.

10. Amandeep Kaur

• Role: Bowler (right-arm medium-pace).
• Strengths: Amandeep is a disciplined bowler who can bowl tight lines and lengths. Her ability to swing the ball and maintain consistency makes her a reliable option.
• Impact: She complements the pace attack and provides control in the middle overs.

11. Jintimani Kalita

• Role: Bowler (right-arm medium-pace).
• Strengths: Jintimani is a young, promising bowler who can swing the ball and bowl accurate lines. Her energy and enthusiasm add freshness to the attack.
• Impact: She provides a good backup option in the pace department and can be a surprise package.

Also READ: WPL 2025: Ellyse Perry makes a grand entry into the ?RCB camp, video goes viral

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Indian women’s cricket team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, remains resolute in her stance despite facing a two-match ban for her actions during a contentious third One Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh in Dhaka last month.

Speaking exclusively to The Cricket Paper on the sidelines of The Women’s Hundred, where she is currently representing Trent Rockets, Kaur expressed no regrets about her behaviour during the fiery encounter. She believes in the player’s right to express their feelings and ensure fair proceedings on the field.

Kaur stated, “I will not say that I regret anything because at the end of the day as a player you want to see that fair things are happening. As a player you always have the right to express yourself and what you’re feeling.

“I don’t think I said anything wrong to any player or any person. I just said what happened on the field. I don’t regret anything,” she added.

Also READ: Mithali Raj launches a?? scathing attack on Harmanpreet Kaur for her unruly behaviour against Bangladesh

Harmanpreet Kaur will miss India’s first two fixtures of Asia Cup 2023

The contentious event occurred during the Dhaka ODI when Kaur displayed her dissatisfaction with the umpiring decisions. She reacted to her dismissal by forcefully hitting the stumps w?ith? her bat and later criticized the umpiring as “pathetic” during the post-match presentation. Furthermore, during the customary end-of-series photographs, Kaur reportedly exclaimed, “bring the umpires too,” implying the??ir association with?? the Bangladesh team.

Consequently, Kaur faced three demerit points for “showing dissent at an umpiring decision” and one more for “public criticism” of match officials. She also faced fines of 50% and 25% of her match fees for these two offences. This accumulation of demerit p??oints, totalling four within a 24-month period, led to her suspension for two international matches.

Due to her suspension, Kaur will miss the initial games of India’s participation in the Asian Games T20 competition scheduled to? take place in Han?gzhou, China, in September-October.

Also READ: Nigar Sultana opens up about the pain she felt after Harmanpreet Kaur’s rude behaviour

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The Indian women’s cricket team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur recently found herself under the scanner for her deplorable actions during the third ODI against Bangladesh. Her unruly conduct not only drew immense criticism from cricket enthusiasts and experts but was also handed a suspens??ion by ICC for breaching the Code of conduct.

The harsh call by the ICC was taken after Harmanpreet recklessly shattered the stumps in frustration after being given out LBW by the umpire and then expressed her dissent towards the match officials during the post-match presentation ceremony. She was even reported to have asked the umpires to join the series-end photo??shoot, inferring them being part of the Bangladesh team.

The alleged shameful act by Harmanpreet further added fuel to the fire and was widely condemned by many veteran cricketers. Former India captain and Harmanpreet’s old teammate, Mithali Raj, also did not h?old back in expressing her disappointment and disapproval of the current India skipper’s antics.

A??lso WATCH: Relive the moment when Ellyse Perry scored a goal for Australia at FIFA Women’s World Cup

Mithali lambasts Harmanpreet

Mithali condemned her former teammate’s behaviour, calling it as “disgraceful and atrocious” in a scathing column for Hindustan Times. She emphasized that teams should show respect to their opposition.

“A team is expected to show respect to the opposition, especially in this particular series where one must give credit to Bangladesh for how they played and fought hard. This is good for the sport, for women’s cricket. If it is true what is being reported in the media in respect to Harman’s behaviour towards the opposition captain during the photo session with the trophy, it is simply disgraceful and atrocious,” wrote Mithali.

“Harmanpreet is a good player and is a role model for a lot of kids. One has to conduct themselves in a dignified manner on and off the field as responsible cricketers. Earlier, women’s cricket did not have much coverage, or presence on the social media; now everything is in the public domain and all actions are emulated by aspiring kids who want to take up the sport. It is okay to be aggressive and show emotions to a point, but one shouldn’t forget the game is above individuals. While Harman’s anguish is understandable, her behaviour shouldn’t be condoned. Also, what happens in the match should be left there,” she added.

Also Read: 18-year-old Pakistan’s Ayesha Naseem announces shocking retirement from competitive cricket

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken stern action against Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur for her unbecoming conduct during the recent Bangladesh tour. The apex bo??ard found? Kaur in violation of two separate ICC Code of Conduct regulations, prompting sanctions for her actions.

The incidents occurred during the third match of the ICC Women’s Championship series against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday. Kaur’s first transgression took place when she vented her frustration by striking the stumps with her bat after being declared caught at slip off spinner Nahida Akter in the 34th over of India’s run chase.

For this Level 2 offense, Kaur was fined 50 percent of her match fee and received three demerit points on her disciplinary record. The charge falls under Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.”

The Indian captain also faced consequences for a Level 1 offense relating to “public criticism in relation to an incident occurring in an international match.” During the presentation ceremony, Kaur openly criticized the umpiring decisions made in the match. As a result, she was fined 25 percent of her match fee for this breach.

Kaur admitted to both offenses and accepted the sanctions proposed by Akhtar Ahmed of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. Given her cooperation, a formal? hearing was not necessary, and the penalties were swiftly implemented.

Under normal circumstances, a Level 2 breach entails penalties ranging from 50 to 100 percent of the player’s match fee, accompanied by three or four demerit points. Meanwhile, a Level 1 breach typically results in an official reprimand or a fine amounting to a maximum of 50 percent of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Due to the accumulation of four demerit points, Kaur’s sanction converted to two suspension points. Consequently, she will be suspended from participating in either one Test match or two ODIs or two T20Is, depending on what comes first for the Indian team.

The ICC’s firm action against the Indian captain serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the spirit of the game and respecting the decisions made on the field. Players are expected to maintain discipline and display sportsmanship, setting an example for aspiring cricketers and fans alike.

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

India’s women’s team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has been facing severe criticism for her disgraceful on-field behaviour during the third and final ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday (July 22). The unruly act by Harmanpreet included a series of events that didn’t go down well with many veteran cricketers and fans. Among all, India’s former seamer Madan Lal also lashed out at the Women in ??Blue captain for her disrespectful conduct.

It is worth mentioning that Harmanpreet’s condemnable acts included hit??ting the stumps in anger after being given out LBW during India’s second innings in the third ODI and then further calling out the match officials for their pathetic decision-making in the post-match presentation. What followed this was even worse as a video of the India batter later surfaced on the internet where she allegedly asked the umpires to join in the group photograph session, hinting towards them also being part of Bangladesh’s side. Notably, the last match between Bangladesh and India ended in a tie, resulting in a drawn series (1-1).

In retaliation to Harmanpreet’s offending jibes, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana walked away from the photograph session along with her players. Sultana even addressed the same issue in the post-match press conference stating ‘she [Harmanpreet] could have shown better manners’.

The 1983 World Cup winner Madan took to his official Twitter handle on Sunday (July 23) and lambasted Harmanpreet for her disgraceful behaviour against her counterparts. He even urged the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) to take ‘very strict’ disciplinary action against her, emphasizing that Harmanpreet is not bigger than the game.

“Harmanpreet’s behaviour against the Bangladesh women’s team was pathetic. She is not bigger than the game. She got a very bad name for Indian cricket. BCCI should take very strict disciplinary action,” wrote Madan.

Harmanpreet’s behaviour against the Bangladesh women’s team was pathetic. She is not bigger than the game. She got a very bad name for Indi?an cricket. BCCI should take very strict disciplinary action.

— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) July 23, 2023

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Saturday witnessed an enthralling contest as Bangladesh and India battled it out in the third and final ODI, resultin??g in a thrilling tie.

After Bangladesh set a target of 226 runs, India fought valiantly?? but fell just short, being all out for 225 in 49.3 overs. The tie meant that both teams shared the trophy with a 1-1 result in the 50-overs s??eries.

The match also witnessed a moment of heated emotion when India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her frustration ?towards the umpir??e after her dismissal.

On the fourth ball of the 34th over, Nahida Akter got the crucial wicket of Harmanpreet, who was given out LBW off a Fahima Khatun delivery. In her anger, Harmanpreet hit the stumps and dire??cted some strong words towards the umpire as she walked off the field. She was even seen showing a sarcastic thumbs-up to the Bangladesh fans on her way to the pavilion.

Harmanpreet’s dismissal came at a crucial juncture in the game as the Women in Blue were looking to chase down the target. The Indian skipper attempted a sweep shot, but the ball seemed to brush the gloves before being caught at slips, leading to her departure from the crease.

Relive the moment:

Harmanpreet Kaur was not happy with the decision 👀#HarmanpreetKaur #IndWvsBangW #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/ZyoQ3R3Thb

— Ajay Ahire (@Ajayahire_cric) July 22, 2023

A lot of umpiring decisions in the #BANvIND series have been questionable.

However, not sure if Harmanpreet Kaur's outburst can be justified.pic.twitter.com/wRHEdT6RXM

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) July 22, 2023

The match took a dramatic turn when Bangladesh made a stunning comeback. India appeared to be cruising towards victory at one stage, but the tables turned drastically when Harleen Deol and Deepti Sharma were both run out in the same over. The Bangladeshi bowlers capitalized on the situation?? and bowled tightly, leading to India losing their last six wickets for a mere 34 runs.

In the end, Jemimah Rodrigues was left stranded on 33 with no partn??ers to support her.

With the 3rd ODI ending in a tie, both teams shared the trophy.

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The Indian Women’s cricket team bounced back strongly in the second ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh and defeated the hosts by massive 108 runs, levelling the leg (1-1).?? It is worth mentioning that the third and final ODI between the two sides will now serve as a series decider.

The clash between India and Bangladesh witnessed many great performances from various players. However, it also saw an amusing incident take place when the Bangladeshi presenter mistakenly addressed the Indian team’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, as Jemimah Rodrigues during the post-match presentation.

It all happened when the presenter called up both team captains to share their thoughts on the match. After speaking with Harmanpreet, the presenter inadvertently referred to her as ‘Jemimah Rodrigues.’ However, what followed was a classic “mic drop” moment that left everyone pleasantly surprised.

“Thank you very much, Jemimah! And congratulations,” said the presenter.

Without missing a beat, Harmanpreet Kaur politely corrected the presenter, “Harmanpreet Kaur, thank you!” and left the stage gracefully with a ??smile on her fac??e.

“Harmanpreet, beg your pardon,” the presenter corrected himself.

Harmanpreet’s light-hearted response won many hearts on the internet as people lauded her for maintaining a composed demeanour. The video of the same was also shared by many on social media.

Here’s the video:

“Thank you very much, Jemimah and congratulations�/p>

“Harmanpreet Kaur, thank you�/p>

*mic drop*#BANvIND pic.twitter.com/cbWIkCQW2N

— shreya (@shreyab27) July 19, 2023

Speaking of the second ODI, India posted a competitive total of 228/8 on the board batting first and then bundled out Bangladesh for mere 120 runs. Jemimah emerged out as the standout performer for the Indian side, scoring 86 runs off just 78 deliveries and bagging and finishing with impressive figures of 4/3 in 3.1 overs. She even won the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award for her all-round performance.

The Harmanpreet-led side will next face Bangladesh on Saturday?, July 22.

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s presence at the toss for the IPL 2023 Match 22 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was a significant moment for Indian cricket. As the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, Kaur has played a pivotal role in promoting women’s cricket in the country.

During the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023, Kaur led the champion Mumbai Indians team. Her presence at the toss for an IPL match added to her growing stature in Indian cricket. She came for the toss alongside Suryakumar Yadav, the stand-in captain for MI, KKR skipper Nitish Rana and match referee Rajiv Sethi.

Kaur was there as a representative of the 19,000 young girls who marked their attendence at the iconic Wankhede Stadium to cheer for the home side under the initiative led by MI’s Education and Sports for All (ESA). This initiative by MI aims to promote sports among young children and provide them with a chance to experience the thrill of watching live cricket at a stadium.

The MI’s ESA initiative will be a regular affair during the home-away format this year. Under it, the franchise invites children from NGOs across the city for a live game at the stadium. By doing so, they hope to inspire and nurture the next generation of cricketing talent in the city.

The presence of Kaur, who is a role model for many young girls aspiring to take up cricket, adds to the signific?ance of this initiative.

Why was Rohit Sharma not named in MI’s starting XI?

After winning the toss and opting to field first, Suryakumar revealed that Rohit has a stomach bug and therefore, sat out. “[We] will love to bowl first, the wicket looks dry. The ball comes on to the bat nicely later. Rohit is out, he has a stomach bug. Time to put up a good show. We are going with one change, Duan Jansen comes in, rest all is same,” said SKY at the toss.

However, Rohit was named among the MI’s impact players.

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Ishan Kishan(w), ??Cameron Green, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Arjun Tendulkar, Hrithik Shokeen, Piyush Chawla, Duan Jansen, Riley Meredith.

Subs: Rohi??t Sharma, Ramandeep Singh, Arshad Khan, Vishnu Vinod,? Kumar Kartikeya.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.