The BCCI in the recent past has faced heavy criticism for the non-conduction of a dedicated Women’s IPL despite being the most cash-rich franchise tournament in the world. So finally the BCCI has proposed a six-team women’s IPL that is to take place from 2024 onwards. The Governing Council met for the first time in two years in person. It proposed an eight-team format with a clear emphasis on the existing three franchises. The Board has realised that there is indeed a market for women’s games which is witnessing an upsurge. However, it would need an AGM’s approval to kickstart the league next season. The Board is planning to have five or six teams in the inaugural edition. However, this year will see the usual women’s T20 challenge which has three teams.
A Full Span IPL Women from 2024
“It (the full-fledged women’s IPL) has to be approved by the AGM. We plan to start it by next year hopefully,”
BCCI PRESIDENT SOURAV GANGULY TOLD REPORTERS AFTER THE IPL GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING HERE ON FRIDAY.
In an interview with PTI in February, BCCI President Saurav Ganguly had said that Women’s IPL will be launched in 2024. IPL chairman Brijesh Patel also made it clear that this season there will be four matches. The three women teams would play around men’s IPL play-offs.
“There will be four matches involving three teams around the time of the playoffs,”
PATEL SAID AFTER THE MEETING
According to Patel, there would be five or six teams in the Women’s IPL but again that would need the approval of the General Body. The most likely venue for the women’s exhibitions games in Pune. With the second half of the IPL being shifted to the UAE due to the pandemic, the exhibition games didn’t happen in 2021. However, in the 2020 edition IPL Trailblazers won the title.
Also Read: IPL 2022: MS Dhoni Steps Down As CSK Captain, Ravindra Jadeja To Lead
IPL media rights tender to be out soon
The issue of IPL media rights for the 2024-2027 cycle was also discussed by the Governing Council.
“The tender will be out soon,”
SAID A GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER.
Star India had paid a whopping Rs 16,347.5 crore for the 2018-2022 cycle. With the league’s popularity soaring and the addition of two new teams, that number could touch a staggering Rs 40,000 crore for the upcoming five-year cycle. Companies interested in securing the rights to Cricket’s biggest cash cow include Reliance backed Viacom 18. Other parties include current right holders Disney Star & Sony (which had paid Rs 8200 for nine years, back in 2009). Streaming giant Amazon could also bid for the digital rights.
The IPL starts on Saturday with defending champions Chennai Super Kings up against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Wankhede stadium.
