‘Minnu Mani Junction’ in Kerala’s Wayanad; Indian woman cricketer honoured

Indian woman cricketer Minnu Mani, who made her international debut earlier this month, has been honoured by her hometown – Wayanad in Kerala as the local municipality named a road junction after her.

Tribal girl Minnu is the first woman cricketer from Kerala to represent India. On July 9, she made her India debut against Bangladesh in a T20I in Mirpur.

Minnu, who is an off-spinner, bowled three overs and took her maiden international wicket in that game, dismissing Shamina Sultana. India won the contest by seven wickets.

Also read: Women’s Premier League: Minnu Mani’s journey, from a tribal hamlet to Delhi Capitals

The 24-year-old cricketer, who bats left-handed, also played in the remaining two games of the series, which saw Harmanpreet Kaur-led India winning by a 2-1 margin. Minnu claimed five wickets (1/21, 2/9, 2/28) in the series. She had received her India cap from teammate Smriti Mandhana.

Recognising her hard work and her journey to international cricket, the Mananthavady Municipality of Wayanad district renamed the ‘Mysore Road Junction’ as ‘Minnu Mani Junction’.

The images of the renaming ceremony were shared by her Women’s Premier League (WPL) team Delhi Capitals (DC).

Also read: 1st WT20I: Harmanpreet, spinners star in easy Indian win over Bangladesh

“This junction in Wayanad, Kerala, will always act as a reminder to follow your dreams. Minnu Mani’s hometown surprised her with a special gift to honour her maiden Team India call-up and exceptional performances in the Bangladesh vs India T20Is,” wrote the Delhi franchise on Twitter with two images of the junction.

On July 3, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he was proud of Minnu for becoming the first woman cricketer from the state in the national team.

“Congratulations to Minnu Mani on her selection as the first Kerala cricketer in the Indian women’s cricket team! We are extremely proud of you and wish you the very best for this incredible journey ahead. May you continue to shine on the international stage and make Kerala proud,” Vijayan tweeted.

Congratulations to Minnu Mani on her selection as the first Kerala cricketer in the Indian women's cricket team! We are extremely proud of you and wish you the very best for this incredible journey ahead. May you continue to shine on the international stage and make Kerala proud. pic.twitter.com/Y8mmuqN3fs

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) July 3, 2023

At this year’s inaugural WPL players’ auction, Minnu was bought by Delhi for Rs 30 lakh.

“I have not seen that much money in my life. I was stunned to see the franchises bidding for me. Initially, I was not very hopeful, seeing senior India capped players going unsold, but when the moment came, it was beyond words and more than what I could have ever dreamt,” Minnu had told The Federal in February after the WPL auction.

This junction in Wayanad, Kerala, will always act as a reminder to follow your dreams 😍

Minnu Mani's hometown surprised her with a special gift to honour her maiden #TeamIndia call-up and exceptional performances in the #BANvIND T20Is.#YehHaiNayiDilli pic.twitter.com/AjImEs9hdb

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) July 23, 2023