WPL Speed Queen: a nationwide talent hunt uncovers India’s fastest young women bowlers

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What began as a bold vision to identify raw pace at the grassroots has today evolved into one of the most impactful talent discovery initiatives in women’s cricket. WPL Speed Queen, a nationwide fast-bowling talent hunt, has successfully concluded its on-ground journey across 15 cities, receiving an overwhelming and inspiring response from young aspiring women cricketers across the country. From metros to emerging cricket centres, Speed Queen witnessed extraordinary participation, reaffirming one powerful truth: India is rich with fast-bowling talent waiting for the right platform. Hundreds of young girls stepped forward, clocked their speeds, and showcased fearless intent, many for the very first time under professional evaluation.

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The initiative was built on one simple but strong idea: merit over background. Using professional speed guns and expert assessment panels, bowlers were evaluated purely on performance. The response was nothing short of phenomenal not just in numbers, but in quality. Several participants breached the 100 km/h mark, underlining the depth of pace talent developing at the grassroots level. After rigorous assessments across cities, the fastest and most promising bowlers from the Under-19 and Under-23 categories have now been shortlisted for the final round of WPL Speed Queen, bringing together the best young fast bowlers discovered during the nationwide journey.Shortlisted Finalists – City-wiseDelhi U19: Aarna Goswam – 99.78 km/h U19: Harnaaz – 102.9 km/h U23: Riya Soni – 102.99 km/h U23: Akshita Bhagat – 104 km/hGhaziabad U19: Pragya – 83.68 km/h U23: Udisha – 101.3 km/hNoida U19: Ronaq Jahan – 102.9 km/h U23: Mariya – 96.5 km/hGurugram U19: Anjali – 101.38 km/h U23: Arshbani – 104.6 km/hMeerut U19: Karuna Shetty – 104.68 km/h U23: Sangeeta Chauhan – 93.34 km/hJaipur U19: Medhavi Gaur – 104.61 km/h U23: Yashswi – 104.4 km/hLucknow U19: Anshika Yadav – 104.6 km/h U23: Soti – 98.1 km/hKanpur U19: Payal Chaurasiya – 104 km/h U23: Disha Singh – 101 km/hVaranasi U19: Anamika Yadav – 101.38 km/h U23: Nutan Singh – 98.17 km/hPrayagraj U19: Beuty Bauri – 94.9 km/h U23: Falak Naz – 99.7 km/hAgra U19: Ananya Jain – 102.99 km/h U23: Supriya Arela – 96.56 km/hVadodara U19: Ashlesha Navnath Kapil – 98.1 km/h U23: Maithili Dattatray Ganjale – 90.1 km/hIndore U19: Disha Sharma – 98.16 km/h U23: Anamika – 96.56 km/hRajkot U19: Vaidikaba J Rao – 88.5 km/h U23: Vyas Viral – 93.3 km/hAhmedabad U19: Jiya Abhishek – 101.38 km/h U23: Sunita Choudhary – 88.15 km/hHaridwar U19: Unnati Singh – 104.61 km/h U23: Archana Kumari – 94.95 km/h Speaking about the initiative, BCCI Secretary Mr. Devajit Saikia expressed his enthusiasm for the programme: “WPL Speed Queen has exceeded our expectations in every sense. The kind of talent and pace we have witnessed across cities is truly encouraging. This initiative strengthens the pathway for young women fast bowlers and reinforces our commitment to nurturing grassroots cricket. We are excited about the future this platform is creating for women’s cricket in India. ” As the finalists now gear up for the ultimate stage, WPL Speed Queen stands as more than a competition; it is a movement. One that is changing perceptions, opening doors, and proving that India’s next great fast bowler could come from anywhere. The journey ahead leads to one crown, but the real victory lies in the many dreams that have already found direction.

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