BCCI To Launch Women's IPL In Next Three Years

BCCI administrator Vinod Rai has said that the board plans to launch a women's edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament in the next three years, reported Firstpost.

International cricketers to play exhibition game

The BCCI administrator told AFP, "We are planning to get a women's IPL in place in two to three years." 

Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium will host a Twenty20 exhibition game on May 22, as part of the build-up. Top international women players are set to take part in it. Women cricketers from Australia, England and South Africa will play in the Indian team under IPL rules. Rai said that the match to be played between BCCI XI and IPL XI will take place ahead of the first (men's IPL) playoff at Wankhede Stadium.

BCCI hasn't revealed any firm details of the new league as yet. Pressure for a women's IPL has been building since India reached the final of the women's World Cup in England last year. The Mithali Raj-led India team lost to England in the World Cup final. Looking at the successful ratings of the women's World Cup, ICC promised a greater role for women's cricket.

In 2017, Mithali Raj mentioned about creating the base of an IPL dedicated to women. She demanded a tournament along the lines of the IPL for male cricketers. Last year, cricketer Virendra Sehwag tweeted, "I think it's high time we have a Women's IPL. Just like they have Big Bash for women in Australia. Hope BCCI gives this gift quickly."

The press release by BCCI stated, "Women’s game has seen a wave of popularity in the country following the national team’s run to the final of World Cup last year. With an eye on growing this wave, the BCCI is hosting the T20 Challenge to provide the women’s game a platform alongside its most popular tournament."

Twitter reactions and confirmation by the boards

NEWS: Women’s T20 Challenge Match to be played at Wankhede Stadium ahead of #VIVOIPL 2018 Qualifier 1.

More details - https://t.co/Wnu0rVJnOG pic.twitter.com/qK0B6eTeco

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) May 15, 2018

Terrific move by the @IPL sports body to get the likes of @EllysePerry @Danni_Wyatt along with the @BCCIWomen for an inaugural Women’s #IPL clash. Notwithstanding the scorching Mumbai afternoon heat, it should be a cracker!!

— Vikram Mehta (@MehtaMorphosis) May 16, 2018

Some of women's cricket's biggest stars will take part in a Women's T20 Challenge before next week's first IPL Qualifier, with @mandhana_smriti and @ImHarmanpreet to lead the two sides.https://t.co/KGijzlOk2L pic.twitter.com/NWEkyl8Djc

— ICC (@ICC) May 15, 2018

“Our game really is going global.”
Sophie Devine is off to the women’s IPL Exhibition match in Mumbai 👊#womenscricket pic.twitter.com/LTB9MwLkL8

— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) May 15, 2018

Women's IPL is Future & it will help our women cricketers alot .

— RAHUL (@RAHULS34) May 15, 2018

All the names of the players so far heard participating in this challenge are legends on their own. Will be exciting match & definitely a big boost for Indian Women's Cricket.

— Sarvesh Shahi (@Sarvesh379) May 16, 2018

Jumping with joy by reading this. Specially when @IPL is on and this to be telecasted just before the Qualifier 1. Good 7-8 hours of cricket at Wankhede on May 22. @BCCIWomen @WomensCricZone @StarSportsIndia Women’s IPL coming soon! https://t.co/1HLscDIkEl

— Srujana Konakanchi 🦋 (@srujanak94) May 15, 2018

It's time women cricketers got their due. We wish the players all the luck!  

More stories by Bhawana

Bhawana is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv