Issy Wong grew up watching Mumbai Indians. Now she is one of them as the first ever Women’s Premier League gets underway in India today.
The 20-year-old will team up with England legend and now Head Coach Charlotte Edwards in Mumbai for the four-week tournament which will see the world’s best players compete.
“It’ll be such a good experience,” Wong said speaking to ESPN Cricinfo. “Look at the overseas players we’ve got. Nat Sciver-Brunt, one of the best all-rounders in the world, and Amelia Kerr, one of the best leg spinners.
“Chloe Tryon and Hayley Matthews, two of the most powerful batters. Then Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s Captain and Pooja Vastrakar, one of their frontline bowlers.
“These guys have played much more franchise and international cricket than me. It’ll be really good to soak in as much as I can off them. They’ve done more good things than me. They’ve made more mistakes than me and they’ve learned from them.”
The first match will see Gujarat Giants take on Mumbai, and Wong is pinching herself at the opportunity to play in the women’s equivalent of the competition she watched throughout her childhood.
“I used to run home from school to watch it. I’d sit down with a snack and watch whichever game was on. Danny Morrison was my favourite commentator. He epitomised what it was about: getting people excited about cricket.”
Wong and other international stars at the WPL will be at Edgbaston this July for the Women’s Ashes IT20 fixture on Saturday 1 July.
Over 14,000 tickets have already been sold and Early Bird tickets from only £15 are still available, but hurry as prices will rise from 10 March.
Over 75% sold for Women’s Ashes IT20
For the first time, Edgbaston will host a Women’s Ashes IT20 as the oldest rivalry in cricket returns to Birmingham – and over 15,500 tickets have already been sold!
Watch local stars including Amy Jones and Issy Wong in action as we make history on Saturday 1 July, 6.30pm start. Tickets are available from only £17 for adults and under 16s £5.