BCCI at the level of formulation to launch full-fledged women's IPL in 2023: Sourav Ganguly

In what can be called a major statement from Sourav Ganguly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in its final stages of planning for a Women’s Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCCI boss also said the inaugural edition of the competition should take off next year, in 2023. Women’s cricket has certainly gained massive popularity over the past few years.

Owing to the same, many national boards have started women’s T20 leagues in their countries, featuring players from different corners. Many Indian players have also showcased their brilliance in some foreign competitions. Now, BCCI is also planning to conduct a full-fledged T20 competition for women’s cricketers. As per Ganguly, women’s IPL, which is scheduled to take place next year, will earn tremendous success just like the men’s competition.

Women’s IPL is certainly going to happen: Sourav Ganguly

“We are at the level of formulation to have a full-fledged WIPL. It is certainly going to happen. I strongly believe that next year i.e. 2023 will be a very good time to start a full-fledged women’s IPL which will be as big and grand a success as men’s IPL,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Ganguly also said a seven-team women’s IPL can take place in few years if the player pool goes up. “You need a lot more women players. I see that in four years’ time, to get a seven-team IPL with the best women players [in participation],” said the 49-year-old further.

Meanwhile, BCCI has conducted three editions of the Women’s T20 Challenge, which is a three-team round-robin format tournament held alongside the Indian Premier League (IPL). The inaugural season took place in 2018 while the tournament was last played in 2020. While Women’s T20 Challenge couldn’t take place last year due to COVID-19 concerns and busy calendar, Ganguly stated that the tournament will be back this year.

“The Women’s T20 Challenge will again be back this year in the month of May. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to host a bigger women’s IPL once the number of women players goes up. But this year, the Women’s T20 Challenge will happen during the IPL playoffs,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by Sportstar.