They should make it mandatory for an IPL franchise to have a women's team: Lalit Modi

The Indian Premier League is expected to have a proper women's league from 2023. Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jay Shah has stated that the tournament would be a priority for them and they will do everything to make it happen next year as well.

With the growing popularity of women’s cricket, the women's IPL has been a public demand for quite a few years now, but the idea has never really taken off. While a four-match Women’s T20 Challenge does take place during men’s IPL, a full-fledged women's IPL could be helpful for Women’s Cricket as well.

Meanwhile, former IPL chairman and the brains behind the Indian Premier League Lalit Modi has said that every IPL franchise should have a women's team, and it should be made mandatory as well.

"I didn't see much of IPL women's games this year (Women's T20 Challenge), but I think one of the biggest things they should do is make it mandatory for an IPL franchise to have a women's team," Lalit Modi told NDTV.

"If an IPL franchise owner is able to have a women's team, you'll see the bench strength in Indian women's cricket go up. You'll see investment in women's cricket by owners who are already making good money now," he again said.

Meanwhile, the IPL sold its media rights at a massive value after a three-day e-auction in June and it is currently valued as one of the most expensive sports leagues in the world. Modi claims that IPL franchises can certainly have the women's team because they are all profitable and they also have the ability to invest the amount of money required in the game.

He also applauded the BCCI for taking this step and said that it is the right thing to do now.

Meanwhile, the Women’s T20 challenge that started with a one-off exhibition match in 2018, has turned into a three-team affair now and this season it took place in Pune during IPL 2022 playoffs as well.

"Amazing step. It's a big boost to the women's game and I am really glad," Lalit Modi concluded.