Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Ness Wadia has affirmed his interest in buying a franchise in the Women's Indian Premier League.
Over the last few years, calls for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to start the Women's version of the T20 league have intensified.
While the BCCI have staged a three-team Challenger's Trophy during the men's IPL, a full-fledged version of the same is yet to see the light of the day.
Last week, the IPL governing council proposed a 5-6 team Women's T20 league from next year onwards.
Following the development, Wadia said that he would be more than interested to stake a claim in one of the franchises as he feels that women's cricket is on an upward curve and deserves a league of its own.
"We would be more than interested in that (Women's IPL). IPL for women is long overdue. Also, it would be very special whenever that happens. Women's cricket has really developed over the years," the Punjab co-owner told News18. "The World Cup is going on right now. So, there is so much interest for the women's game. It was heartbreaking to see India's women's team lose yesterday," he added.
Wadia also revealed that he had previously discussed the idea of Women IPL with BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah.
"We discussed with Jay Shah and Sourav Ganguly and they were more than happy to go ahead with it. The national anthem is played in sporting leagues in the USA. I am a die hard patriot and was overjoyed when it (National Anthem) was played. It is the Indian Premier League after all," Wadia added.
When asked the base price he'd like to bid for the women's franchise, Wadia said that it's for the BCCI to decide, but he exuded confidence in the fact that the tournament will be a financial success.
It shall be interesting to see when the Women IPL finally sees the light of the day.