Ahead of their much-anticipated home debut in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner, along with teammates Kashvee Gautam, Phoebe Litchfield, and Deandra Dottin, enjoyed a memorable outing with Maharani of Baroda, Radhikaraje Gaekwad, at the iconic Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Maharani Radhikaraje Shows Support for Gujarat Giants
Maharani Radhikaraje, a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, extended her heartfelt support to the Gujarat Giants and shared valuable insights about her initiatives, as well as the rich legacy of Vadodara’s cricket culture. The visit served as a significant moment for the players, who are gearing up for their first home match of the season.
Visit to Gazra Cafe: Empowering Women and the LGBTQ+ Community
The players, accompanied by Bowling Coach Pravin Tambe and Mr. Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, also visited Gazra Cafe. This initiative by Shri Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya (MCSU), founded in 1914 by Maharani Chimnabai II, focuses on empowering women through education, vocational training, and skill development, especially in handicrafts and embroidery. Notably, the cafe is run by members of the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting the commitment to inclusion and empowerment.
Interactive Session with Maharani Radhikaraje
During the visit, the players engaged in an interactive session with Maharani Radhikaraje, who has a deep-rooted connection with cricket. The warm exchange offered a platform for the players to gain further inspiration and strengthen their connection with the community.
Special Gesture from Ashleigh Gardner
As a gesture of appreciation, Gujarat Giants’ captain Ashleigh Gardner presented Maharani Radhikaraje with a special Gujarat Giants jersey. In return, Maharani Radhikaraje extended her best wishes to the team for their upcoming season, reaffirming her unwavering support for the home team and the growing influence of women’s cricket in India.
