The Indian Premier League, when it began in 2008 was the pioneer in transforming the perception of the T20 format. The success of the league gave birth to hundreds of leagues across the globe. However, when it comes to Women’s Cricket, the case of being the pioneer hasn’t been true.
Before the BCCI stepped up their game, the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia has had 7 successful seasons and even Indian players have been hot properties there. In the most recent season, Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s T20i captain won the player of the tournament. Furthermore, ECB has had tremendous success with their opening edition of the Women’s Hundred. Again Jemimah Rodrigues from India was an absolute sensation in that tournament.
Sourav Ganguly had been facing constant criticism as BCCI president due to the lack of importance given to Women’s Cricket post the pandemic hit India. Indian Women have played only one home series in the last two years and the Women’s T20 challenge was also canceled in 2021. The Women’s team lost the series against SA, England and Australia but they received a lot of appreciation for the excellent performances they put in, particularly in the two Test matches.
However, after the third wave of the pandemic in India better things lie in store for Women’s Cricket. Firstly, they are playing the World Cup in New Zealand after playing a bilateral series on the same shores. Second, the Women’s T20 Challenge is back after a gap of a year. And finally, most importantly an official green flag to the WIPL has come.
In an interview with the Press Trust of India, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly as remarked,
"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."
These new beginnings mean a lot to not just current women cricketers but also an entire generation of women cricketers to come, as well as the entire ecosystem. WIPL would also add to the depth of the Indian Women’s Squad and induce healthy competition among the players. Most importantly many young emerging cricketers will get to rub shoulders with top cricketers from all over the world.
Financially, this would mean a huge boost to the Women’s Cricket Economy which is currently of the size of a pea compared to Men’s Cricket. The WIPL will not just mean more income for the players but also more influx through brands, sponsors, broadcasting, scouting programs etc.
Thus, Indian Women’s Cricket is certainly going to transform, come 2023.