Women's IPL in 2023 subject to AGM approval after BCCI proposal 

In a major development for women’s cricket in India, a six-franchise Women’s Indian Premier League in 2023, was proposed by the Board of Control For Cricket in India (BCCI) in the governing council meeting on Friday. However, the start of the tournament remains subject to AGM approval. 

The Women’s IPL has significantly been boosted by sponsorship for the Women’s T20 Challenge in 2020 as Jio had paid INR 12 crore for the title sponsorship. Notably, the existing franchises in the IPL, could also be asked if they can have a women’s team. If not, the board, will invite outside parties for franchise bids. 

“It (the full-fledged women’s IPL) has to be approved by the AGM. We plan to start it by next year hopefully,” BCCI president Sourav Ganguly told reporters after the IPL Governing Council meeting here on Friday.

“Obviously, running the event alongside the men’s IPL may not be possible. We may have to explore a window first. Besides, the details of the proposed event will be worked out,” a GC member told Cricbuzz. 

READ MORE: Women’s IPL possibility to be discussed at Governing Council meeting

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly keen on Women’s IPL

Earlier, this year the board president Sourav Ganguly had said that there is a chance of a full-fledged Women’s IPL from 2023 onwards.

“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 told PTI.

The Women’s T20 Challenge, involving three teams, has already been played annually since 2018 alongside the men’s IPL tournament.

India women’s team star players have, meanwhile, plied their trade in T20 leagues outside India like the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and the T20 Blast but are keen on getting a similar tournament in their country.

The Cricket association of Bengal (CAB) had organized the maiden season of the Bengal Women’s T20 Blast, earlier this year, with 90 players drafted in the list.