Women’s IPL set for March 2023 debut

BCCI reported to have finalised window for women’s IPL

The inaugural edition of the women’s IPL is all set to be launched in March 2023 as BCCI is reported to have cleared a window for the tournament.

According to the schedule, the women’s IPL will take place after the women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. The Women’s T20 Challenge has been held every year since 2018, apart from 2021, but has only three teams participating and there have been calls for a larger and broader league for the women for sometime now.

A senior BCCI official stated,

“Yes, the WIPL will start in the first week of March and we have earmarked a four-week window for the first year. The T20 World Cup in South Africa is from February 9 to 26 and immediately after that we plan to hold the WIPL.

‘As of now, we are going ahead with five teams but it could be six as there is a lot of interest among potential investors. In due course of time, the process of auctioning of teams will be announced.” 

BCCI President and former Indian skipper Sourave Ganguly had earlier stated that the women’s edition of the IPL would be held next year. Ganguly had stated that multiple factors including the pandemic had pushed back the plan by a year or two but it was on track now.

Ganguly had stated in February 2022,

“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.”

Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary, had also commented,

“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.”

Indian Premier League teams such has Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have all shown interest in owning teams in the women’s edition. The Caribbean Premier League’s Barbados Royals have also expressed their interest in buying a team.