BCCI may host a six-team Women’s IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering launching a six-team women’s IPL starting next year. The Indian Premier League’s Governing Council (GC) decided on Friday (March 25) in Mumbai that all efforts will be made to launch a six-team annual Twenty20 league for women cricketers, with first consideration given to the current IPL clubs. This year, however, the Women’s Twenty20 challenge will take place.

As a result of Jio’s sponsorship for the Women’s T20 Challenge in 2020 (Rs 12 crore for the title sponsorship), the GC has felt that the women’s IPL has potential. In their first meeting in almost two years, the Governing Council members decided that the existing IPL franchises will be asked if they want the women’s team as well. The BCCI will invite outside bidders to bid for franchises after this option has been exhausted.

Other countries to start different leagues too

Since the clamor for a women’s league has been nationwide, the BCCI has been under pressure to start one. In addition to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Cricket West Indies (CWI) has decided to start its own three-team league this year, and the neighboring Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also announced its intentions.

The GC has also cleared the tender for media rights for the IPL cycle 2023-27. The Invitation To Tender (ITT) document will likely be available by Monday or Tuesday. Bidding parties will have multiple options, with it being learned that interested business houses must have a net worth of INR 1000 crore.

Officials on Women’s IPL

According to BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, the AGM must approve a full-fledged women’s IPL. In addition, Ganguly stated that the Women’s IPL will begin in 2023. Brijesh Patel informed the media that the three women’s teams will play four matches around the men’s playoffs. Patel said the Women’s IPL would have five to six teams, but again, that would require approval from the General Body. The women’s exhibitions games are likely to be held in Pune.

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