Wayanad girl becomes Kerala's pride at WPL auction

Kalpetta: A girl from Wayanad has made Kerala proud in the first Women’s Premier League Twenty-20 cricket (WPL) auction. Delhi Capitals picked Manathavady native Minnu Mani for Rs 30 lakh. With this, Minnu has become the first Malayali to be selected for the WPL.

Currently, Minnu is a member of the south zone team in the inter-zone women's cricket competition. She was taking part in a game in Hyderabad when she was selected by Delhi Capitals. Minnu scored 73* in the inter-zone women’s cricket match against the west zone. 

Minnu was introduced to the world of cricket by her sports teacher at Mananthavady GVHSS, KM Elsamma. She was later selected for the cricket academy. Minnu studied Classes 9 and 10 at the Thodupuzha Cricket Academy and Classes 11 and 12 at the  Sarvajana Higher Secondary School in Sulthan Bathery. She then joined the  Vazhuthacaud women's college for graduation. 

Minnu has played for the India A team and for India Blue in the Challenger Trophy tournament in the senior and under-23 category. She has also played in the Emerging Asia Cup competition held in Sri Lanka. 

She has received the Kerala Cricket Association’s Junior Cricketer of the Year award, Youth Player of the Year award and Promising Player award. Minnu is the daughter of Mani and Vasantha. 

Expressing happiness in being selected by Delhi Capitals for the WPL, Minnu said being part of the team was a huge responsibility.