'TMWL is an opportunity for everyone to showcase their talent...': Sayali Satghare

Sayali Satghare (SoBo Mumbai Falcons)

The Mumbai Cricket Association's (MCA) inaugural T20 Mumbai Women's League (TMWL) is the perfect stage for promising players to get noticed and knock on the doors of bigger opportunities. The Women's Premier League (WPL), and obviously Team India are major goals. This is the reason, the three icon players - Sayali Satghare (SoBo Mumbai Falcons), Saima Thakor (Thane Sky Risers) and Humairaa Kaazi (Aakash Tigers) - who will lead their respective teams, are all keen to lift the maiden TMWL trophy. However, the trio have also told mid-day about the individual goals they want to achieve at the competition that begins at the Wankhede Stadium from June 1.

Humairaa Kaazi (Aakash Tigers)

Pacer Satghare, 25, who has played one Test and three ODIs, is eyeing an India T20I call-up. "Definitely, any T20 tournament that I play is an opportunity to knock on the Indian team's door. My goal is to get a place in the Indian [T20] side. Everyone is excited to play and it's going to be a great tournament," Satghare told mid-day on Friday.

Satghare, who plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL, reckoned that the TMWL will supply more Mumbai players to the WPL. "Rather than pressure, I would say the TMWL is an opportunity for everyone to showcase their talent and whatever skill they have at a higher level, so that the WPL scouts can see what they're capable of. So, I would advise all players to see this as an opportunity and express themselves, and just play freely and fearlessly."

Thakor, 29, who has played 10 ODIs and three T20Is, said: "We were waiting for a very long time for TMWL, and finally, we will get the opportunity to play at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. We [Thane Sky Risers] are going for the championship. Lifting the trophy at the Wankhede in the very first season is our sole aim."

Saima Thakor (Thane Sky Risers)

Thakor, a UP Warriorz pacer in WPL, believes players should not hesitate to give their best to get noticed. "Standing out and doing something extraordinary [in TMWL] for the team will always get you opportunities," she added.

Meanwhile, Kaazi, 32, believes her team is the most well-balanced outfit among the three sides. "We've got a brilliant team in terms of experience and youngsters. It's a balanced side. This is the prime league for women in Mumbai, and talent scouts will be here, watching and analysing us. But while everyone will want to get noticed to get the opportunity to play at the higher level, the primary focus should always be on getting those runs and wickets," said Kaazi.

Kaazi, who represents Mumbai Indians in WPL, wantrs her girls to enjoy this maiden opportunity. "I want to try and inculcate a mindset in the team where it's just about going out there and enjoying your cricket," said Kaazi.

10
No of wickets claimed by Sayali Satghare in 10 WPL matches

23
No of runs for Sayali Satghare in four WPL innings

Three
No of wickets claimed by Sayali Satghare in 3 WODIs

18
No of runs for Humairaa Kaazi across five WPL innings

Seven
No of wickets for Saima Thakor in seven WODIs

Three
No of wickets for Saima Thakor in 10 Women's Premier League matches

One
No of wickets for Saima Thakor across three WT20Is