The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 starts on Thursday, October 3. Team India arrived in Dubai on Wednesday, September 25, to participate in the tournament and were greeted by actor Rana Daggubati, known for his roles in films like Baahubali and Ghazi Attack.
Players such as Asha Sobhana, Shreyanka Patil, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and others were present at the airport.
The cricketers took photos with Daggubati, who shared, “I just bumped into these amazing people at the airport. And I’m wishing them all the very best,” in a video posted by BCCI Women on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).
Harmanpreet Kaur is set to become one of only six cricketers to compete in all nine editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup, joining the ranks of legends like Suzie Bates (New Zealand), Sophie Devine (England), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Ellyse Perry (Australia), and Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka).
Reflecting on her experience, Harmanpreet said, “I have played so many World Cups, and that experience and atmosphere is totally different from any bilateral series or other tournament. I am going with the same excitement as I had when I was just a 19-year-old. I just want to go there and enjoy myself. I know now I have so much experience with me.”
India’s campaign kicks off on Friday, October 4, against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After a semi-final exit in 2022, where they lost to eventual champions Australia, India hopes to go all the way this year with a squad that boasts a blend of youth and experience.