Women’s IPL is on the verge of becoming a reality. The BCCI has stayed mute despite repeated pleas from former and current female cricketers to organize a Women’s IPL. However, inspired by Harmanpreet Kaur’s WBBL achievements, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has stated that it would happen soon, adding that the board is working on a framework and will provide a blueprint within the next three months.
On backstage with Boria, Sourav Ganguly said: “We have Women’s IPL in our minds. We will reveal how we are going to do it in the next three-four months and how we are going to take WIPL forward.”
Gaining a Steady Momentum
Women’s IPL has been gaining traction for some time now. Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 406 runs and took 15 wickets, has only added to the clamor. She was named the tournament’s best player.
Sourav Ganguly said: “I am extremely happy to see Haranpreet play so well in Big Bash because she had a little bit of tough time in England and Australia. I have seen her play in the semifinals in England a couple of years ago. Her 171 not-out was excellent. For a young cricketer to get 171 that too against Australia which is probably the best women’s side in the world is something remarkable. Harman, Smriti, young Shafali, senior-pro Mithali, Jhulan — they are all strengths to this team.”
Becoming a Reality
The BCCI’s financial muscles have been reinforced with the infusion of over Rs 12,000 crore from two new IPL franchises. Because the women’s cricket calendar is less busy than the men’s, a spot in the Women’s IPL will be easy to come by.
Cricketers have flocked to the women’s T20 challenge, a mini-T20 tournament held during the IPL. WBBL, The Hundred, and other international T20 leagues have included Indian women’s players regularly.
The success of women’s cricketers has prompted the BCCI to develop a strategy for a women’s IPL. After her Big Bash success, Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s women’s T20 captain, called for a Women’s IPL last month.
Harmanpreet Kaur said: “I think we have been looking at this for a long time and I hope, you know, sooner this women’s IPL will also start and we will also invite overseas players over there so that they can also share their experience with our domestic players.”
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