Women’s IPL: The Women’s IPL is just five months away but the IPL franchises are still in dark about the ownership of the new league. The BCCI green-lit the five-team tournament in the AGM in October, but Roger Binny-led board and the IPL governing council ye to make progress on the same. The IPL franchise owners remain in the dark regarding the ownership process, despite interest from teams like RCB and CSK. Follow WIPL 2023 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
“We will be interested in purchasing a Women’s IPL team once we get information on the due process. We have not received any intimation from BCCI so far,” a CSK official told Insidesport.IN
Women’s IPL: Owners kept in the DARK, BCCI yet to finalise WIPL franchise ownership process, Follow Live Updates
Last month, the BCCI at the AGM approved the five-team WIPL instead of a six-team inaugural season. The Indian cricket board finalised a 22-match format for the tournament, set to rival with the Women’s PSL. However, the stakeholders are still undecided on how to distribute the franchises.
Previously, InsideSport reported that instead of a home base, teams will be randomly assigned. It will be up to the team owners to pick their home base. For example, if Mumbai Indians or Chennai Super Kings buy a franchise, they may choose to select Mumbai or Chennai as their home base.
Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore have expressed interest in owning teams, but have received no communication from BCCI on the due process. Other players are also expected to show interest, with BCCI putting out an open invitation, with no first choice to current IPL franchise owners.
“We would like to have non-traditional IPL venues for WIPL. However, you cannot expect a large crowd for women’s matches in every city. To get to that stage, we have to prepare accordingly. The discussions are on to start at the traditional cricket hubs and rotate the venues in future editions,” a senior BCCI official had told InsideSport.
Women’s IPL: Owners kept in the DARK, BCCI yet to finalise WIPL franchise ownership process, Follow Live Updates
Director of cricket Mike Hesson has already begun his scouting. He posted a picture at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium of a Senior Women’s T20 Championship match.
“We are absolutely interested in buying a women’s IPL team. We have been closely following some players in domestic and international matches. Mike was there at the women’s T20 match to observe some of the talent. But it’s not in our hands. We can’t say for sure that we will have a WIPL team. It’s up to the BCCI and IPL Apex Council if they allow the IPL teams the first choice. Otherwise, we have to follow whatever process BCCI sets,” a source close to RCB told InsideSport.IN.
Women IPL 2023: All you need to know about inaugural WIPL
- The first edition of WIPL will be played in March of 2023 before IPL 2023.
- The tournament will be played over two weeks with 22 matches.
- The WIPL will follow the league and playoff format with the top team qualifying directly for the final.
- 2nd and 3rd placed teams will play the eliminator.
- The five WIPL franchises will be auctioned in December.
- The WIPL will be played in a caravan style with matches moving from one centre to another.
- However, instead of preferring IPL franchises, BCCI will keep it open to all interested parties.
- Five teams can pick a maximum of 18 players including 6 overseas players.
- At least one overseas player must be from an associate nation.
- Instead of players’ auction, BCCI will follow players draft instead.
- Apart from Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore have shown interest in owning WIPL teams.
Women’s IPL: Owners kept in the DARK, BCCI yet to finalise WIPL franchise ownership process, Follow Live Updates
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