Reports: BCCI planning to start six-team Women’s IPL from 2023

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has been aiming to start the much talked-about Women’s IPL next year and it has been reported that six teams are likely to take part in the tournament. Finally, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had recently confirmed that there will be a Women’s IPL taking place next year although details on it are yet to be announced. This will be a huge step in the development of women’s cricket in India as a lot of young and unheard women have come through the ranks with the help of tournaments like these.

BCCI had been conducting a Women’s T20 Challenge comprising of three teams until the Covid-19 emerged in 2020 and there has been a constant demand in the circuit to go one step forward and conduct a full-fledged Women’s IPL. The Hundred tournament in England and the Women’s Big Bash League have all gained a lot of popularity around the cricket fraternity and the Women’s IPL is expected to be a massive success as well.

Our team is working on the auction process and other important aspects: BCCI source

A BCCI official had noted the preparations going on to form the structure for Women’s IPL next year and confirmed that six teams will participate in the tournament. He also added that the structure of the tournament is being worked upon and mentioned the things that will have to be processed in the meantime. He concluded that the board will announce officially once the matter is agreed upon in the AGM meeting.

“We have already started working on the plan as to how many teams we can have and what window is going to suit, because we have the men’s IPL as well. As of now, we can’t share many details but yes, we are really excited for this league. Some franchises have already shown interest and are very keen to be part of this tournament. We are planning to have 6 teams to start with. Our team is working on the auction process and other important aspects of the tournament,” a top BCCI top official told Sports Tak.

“As of now, everything is just on paper. It will take time to streamline everything as there are many aspects that need to be taken care of – proper planning, auctions, teams etc etc. But yes we might start the women’s IPL in the summer, but again its completely tentative as of now. Once everything is discussed, the board will make an official announcement. The matter will also be discussed at the AGM to stamp it,” he added.