The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 commenced with a grand opening ceremony at Bengaluru’s iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday (February 23), marking the beginning of a highly anticipated tournament. A fusion of Bollywood glitz and cricketing prowess unfolded, as the event showcased the convergence of talent, glamour, and excitement.
WPL 2024 opening ceremony: Captains and Bollywood royalty
The ceremony started with a bang as the five team captains – Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur – graced the stage. Their arrival was accompanied by none other than the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, who added an extra layer of charisma to the proceedings. The collaboration of cricketing leaders and Bollywood royalty set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Shah Rukh Khan’s enthralling performance: A showstopper’s speech
Shah Rukh, renowned for his captivating performances, took center stage, mesmerizing the audience with his charm and energy. Delivering a powerful speech highlighting the strength of women, Khan’s charismatic presence ignited the atmosphere. The crowd erupted in cheers as he showcased iconic dance moves, infusing the event with his trademark enthusiasm.
Bollywood celebrities shine: Adding glitter to the evening
Representatives from Bollywood took the stage, with Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Tiger Shroff, Siddharth Malhotra and Kartik Aaryan representing different teams. Each celebrity brought their unique style and charisma, contributing to the glamour of the evening. Their scintillating performances were a perfect blend of entertainment and celebration, captivating the audience.
Also READ: WPL 2024: TV channels, Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Australia, US, UK and other countries
Trophy unveiling and virtual cheers: Launching WPL 2024 in style
After the dazzling performances, it was time for the captains to unveil the coveted trophy, symbolizing the initiation of a fierce and competitive tournament. Mooney, Healy, Lanning, Mandhana and Harmanpreet proudly raised the trophy amid thunderous applause. The crowd erupted in applause as the captains raised the trophy, symbolizing the beginning of a fierce and competitive tournament.
As the dazzling show unfolded, fans and cricket enthusiasts took to social media platforms to express their exhilaration. The performances, speeches, and overall spectacle received widespread praise, creating a buzz and anticipation for the thrilling matches that await in the marquee event. Social media platforms were abuzz with reactions, turning the grand opening into a virtual celebration that echoed the excitement of fans worldwide. The WPL 2024 had not only commenced on the field but had already won the hearts of millions off it.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
What a legend our man @iamsrk is…very few can elevate a Live event like him. 🙇♂️
One of my favourite tournaments is starting tonight… #TataWPL
Let’s embrace and celebrate
‘Cricket Ka Queendom’ 🫶🏽@JioCinema @wplt20— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 23, 2024
Congrats to @BCCI for a wonderful opening ceremony. My favourite moment was @iamsrk talking about the @wplt20 and then introducing the captains. He went one step further and had a small interaction with each of them. #authentic
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) February 23, 2024
I am not a blind SRK fan, but man, the way he was making sure the girls got the spotlight and was arranging things on the stand, it takes a man with a big heart to do that. Despite his super stardom, there was no air. What an absolute icon!
— Bastab K Parida (@ParidaBastab) February 23, 2024
SRK should coach the women’s team in the WC . Need some Kabir Khan inspo, man. Randomly reminded of how many times they’ve bottled things and how a “sattar gend” speech will help.
— Sarah Waris (@swaris16) February 23, 2024
Shahid Kapoor performing at WPL opening ceremony pic.twitter.com/4X7ZClC2gg
— Alisha Imran (@Alishaimran111) February 23, 2024
Shahrukh Khan with WPL captains in opening ceremony.#WPL2024 pic.twitter.com/Nk0W9yFIYd
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) February 23, 2024
spending friday night watching Mother Meg batting, what more could i ask for?
— best girl (@awkdipti) February 23, 2024
Bollywood’s King and RCB’s Queen 👑#PlayBold #SheIsBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #WPL2024 @mandhana_smriti @iamsrk pic.twitter.com/cjch3MUyTW
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 23, 2024
Among the stands that got sold, I think there is decent attendance. P3 stand is jam-packed for the opening game at #WPL2024 #MIvDC #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/969zBEtVn2
— Kartik Kannan (@kartik_kannan) February 23, 2024
WPL 2024 is here…!!! pic.twitter.com/CXW9wptbTF
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 23, 2024
Picture of the day. 🏏
The Trademark King Khan with WPL Captains. pic.twitter.com/w1dBeWXnad
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 23, 2024
Also WATCH: Kartik Aaryan, Sidharth Malhotra, Shahrukh Khan and other stars entertain fans in WPL 2024 opening ceremony
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.