Women’s cricket is on the rise in India. Despite failing to reach the semi-finals of the recently concluded ICC World Cup, a more comprehensive graph shows an upward trend.
The women’s team has reached the semi-finals of the ongoing Commonwealth Games,
One of the reasons behind the success is the Women’s T20 Challenge. An annual women’s T20 competition organised by BCCI, consisting of just four matches. However, there are growing demands for a full-fledged women’s IPL, and a former India wicketkeeper has opined the same.
Saba Karim, who served as BCCI’s general manager for cricket operations and a scout for Delhi Capital, feels it’s the right time to introduce women’s IPL and end the Women’s T20 challenge.
Speaking with News18, he said, “The Women’s IPL should be held at the earliest as it’s the right time. The exhibition IPL matches must come to an end.”
He added that a full-fledged IPL would benefit several domestic players looking for a platform to be noticed by the Indian team.
He said, “If women’s IPL comes, it will be great news for cricket in India. It will serve a better future to women cricketers.”
Notably, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had mentioned that the apex board is planning to start a six-team IPL next year. Hence, a women’s IPL is in the pipeline. Several players, including recently retired Mithali Raj, have expressed their desire to participate.
It is worth noting that several franchises like CSK and Punjab Kings have expressed their interest in bidding for the team once they receive a green signal from BCCI.