Shah Rukh Khan explains why he never acquired a WPL team

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was one of the celebrities who performed in the opening ceremony of the Women’s Premier League 2024 (WPL). Apart from acting, he co-owns teams such as Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL), Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20), and Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC). However, when the WPL was launched, his Knight Riders Group didn’t bid for a team in the five-team competition.

Teams from Men’s IPL such as Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Capitals have acquired teams in the tournament. Apart from them, Gujarat Giants, the subsidiary of Gujarat Giants (Pro-Kabaddi Team) and Gulf Giants (ILT20), and the last team in the tournament is UP Warriors. When asked about why he didn’t acquire a WPL team, he said that he will have a bias against the other players if he had a team.

“People ask me why I didn’t buy a team in WPL. Actually, if I had a team in this league, I would have to love 22 players. Right now, all the franchises have a combined strength of 150 players, and they all are mine. I love them. It is time for the queens of cricket to take centre stage, and they will entertain you for a month. So let’s salute them for their talent,” Shah Rukh Khan said.

Defending champions Mumbai Indians start WPL 2024 with a last-ball win

Meanwhile, in the opening game of the ongoing second season between 2023 finalists, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, the holders won the toss and bowled first. Thanks to Alice Capsey (75), Jemimah Rodrigues (42), and Marizanne Kapp (16*), the Capitals reached 171/5. For the 2023 winners, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr took two wickets each. In reply, MI lost the wicket of Hayley Matthews (0) on the second ball of the innings.

Yastika Bhatia (57) scored her fifty of the tournament and the skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (55) came back to form after a phase of a rut with the national side. However, when the team needed five off two balls, Kaur got out and it was up to Sajeevan Sajana to take the team over the line. She hit a last-ball six to seal the deal for the team.