Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan set the stage on fire with a power-packed performance during the opening ceremony of WPL 2024 in Bengaluru on Friday. The performance began with the star’s impassioned speech about the tournament and the important role women play on and off the field. Shahrukh danced to the tune of his popular song “Jhoome Jo Pathan” and also introduced all the five captains of the competing franchises. The crowd erupted in applause during his performance and his banter with Meg Lanning and Smriti Mandhana left both fans and social media laughing.

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𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙝 𝙍𝙙𝙙𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙖showcases his aura at the #TATAWPL opening ceremony@iamsrk pic.twitter.com/WLjSmCxVXL

– Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) 23 February 2024

The second edition of the Women’s Premier League, which will begin with a high-profile match between defending champions Mumbai Indians and runners-up Delhi Capitals, will be optimistic about fulfilling its existential objective of giving promising domestic talents a broader platform.

All 5 captains with veteran Shahrukh Khan#SRK𓃵 #WPL2024 #WPLT20 #wpl #ShahRukhKhan𓀠 pic.twitter.com/jt2q859ZGN

– Jigar Punadiya (@Jigsponadiya) 23 February 2024

Foreign stars shone in the inaugural edition held in Mumbai, and Indians will hope to grab some of the limelight this year as the tournament takes the shape of a multi-city format and New Delhi is the second host city.

Moment of the day…

all while captaining #ShahRukhKhan signature pose of pic.twitter.com/mmerWhMasx

– Ahmed (Fan) (@AhmedKhanSrkMan) 23 February 2024

Capitals captain Meg Lanning, who has now retired from international cricket, won the Orange Cap last year for scoring the most runs, while the Purple Cap went to Mumbai’s Hayley Mathews for taking 16 wickets.

Amidst this surge of overseas players, Indian cricketers generally struggled for consistency and impact last year, but now some of the young domestic stars will be eyeing this WPL with real hope.

(With PTI inputs)