It has been a record-breaking week for the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) so far, as the media rights auction hit new highs. The authorities and involved firms sealed a massive deal of INR 48,390 crore, for broadcasting of the men’s Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2023 to 2027.
The Disney Star, Viacom 18 (and Jio), and Times Internet signed the highest-ever broadcasting deal with BCCI. Responding to the matter, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah promised that the revenue will be used to provide various facilities for everyone involved, to pay the dues of domestic cricketers across the country, and to make sure that all the shareholders are satisfied, overall.
As, the men’s IPL is at its prime, with the inclusion of two more teams this year, this certainly backs the women’s IPL concept, strongly. Well, not a concept anymore, Shah, has confirmed that the board is looking to kick off the five-six team franchise-based tournament in 2023.
"The BCCI is also committed to launching the Women’s IPL in 2023 apart from creating maximum opportunities for the growth of women’s cricket in the country."
– BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah was quoted as saying in an @IPL media release on Wednesday#IPL | #WIPL
— Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annesha) June 15, 2022
He also stated that they are looking for a suitable window, in the year, to play the tournament, and they are in conversations with the other boards, as far as the tournament is concerned.
There have been a lot of discussions and demands regarding the women’s IPL, and considering the evolution of women’s cricket in India so far, the BCCI had to go for it. As it’s never too late, the cricketing world can expect much more, if India enters the women’s cricket arena, with all they have.
Shah, speaking to PTI, the news agency, Jay Shah said, “This is a project which is very close to my heart. We will start with either five or six teams in the first edition. I am thrilled at the kind of response we have got from stakeholders. Multiple existing IPL teams have enquired and expressed serious interest in owning WIPL franchises.”
“Not to forget interest from outside. We are in discussions with other Boards about the possible window when all top cricketers will be available. I can promise that the valuation of the league, franchises, and media rights will stun one and all,” he added.
BCCI has hosted three editions of Women’s T20 Challenge
Besides, there have been three editions of the Women’s T20 Challenge, the exhibition tournament, so far. And Harmanpreet Kaur-led Team Supernovas have won two of them, while Smriti Mandhana’s Team Trailblazers have managed a single title.
This year, in the Women’s T20 Challenge, the excitements were at its peak, as the standard of the women’s game was way ahead in comparison with the first couple of editions.
Written By Prachi Pisal
Get the latest cricket news here and like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
