The Women’s T20 is Here BCCI Reveals the plans for 2023

Women’s T20: From the latest announcement by the Indian cricket Board BCCI. That is a global T20 league for women along the lines of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Why not just call it the Women’s IPL?

The BCCI is still busy brainstorming if the brand-new property. Also, they’re coming up with – the processes which will begin by the end of this month. They need to call the ‘Women’s IPL’ or be given a separate identity altogether.

As IPL for men from the going on past, there should be the proper approach for Women’s IPL. As seen the BBCI is Still brain Storming about the new upcoming Property of the BCCI, even as the new identity altogether.

So, What Cricket fans can expect,

The BCCI’s absolute wish is that this project once it sees the light of day, which will be very soon also matches global standards in the sport just like the IPL. And has participation from every corner of the world. Also, should be competitive enough to catch viewer attention. Also, just what IPL did should help and set the narrative in women’s cricket going forward.

For now, here are a few plans the BCCI is ready with and is waiting to unroll in the coming weeks.

  • A tender document to sell five franchises via e-auction

A bit of detail here. The existing men’s IPL franchises have something called a ‘master franchise agreement’ in place by way of which, there’s already an understanding that they need to participate in holistic improvement of the game that also includes women’s cricket. However, it is the BCCI’s call that it wants to file a tender independent of the current men’s IPL. The existing owners of men’s IPL franchises are free to bid in the Auction.

  • Base price of the tender document

This can be an interesting proposition. The BCCI is contemplating – the exact details aren’t clear yet – bringing out a tender document that has a base price on the lines of the men’s IPL franchise when tender documents to buy teams were first floated in 2007-08. Broadly put, the BCCI expects women’s franchises to find the kind of value today that men’s franchises found when the IPL was first put in place by the cricket board 15 years ago.

  • Potentially who can buy?

The BCCI wants to sell five franchises for women’s IPL. More than five IPL franchise owners are interested in picking up teams at the moment – Mumbai Indians. Delhi Capitals (50% owners GMR), Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Chennai Super Kings can also make up their minds once the tender is out.

Meanwhile, some of the companies that attempted to buy the men’s franchises when the auction took place last in UAE last year.

  • When is the tournament be held and when?

The tournament will begin in the second week of March in 2023 and conclude around March 23. Just a few days before the start of the men’s IPL. Right now, BCCI is trying hosting the women’s IPL in one or two cities. Initially, before expanding gradually in the coming seasons.

  • Broadcast rights

The BCCI will file a separate tender for e-auction for the broadcasting rights. On the lines of how the men’s IPL broadcasting rights distribution.

  • Player availability and distribution

The BCCI has been busy signing central contracts with leading women cricketers in India and around the world. Just like the IPL where central contracts further lead to agreements after franchises decide the players. The women’s cricketers selection will be through a draft process in the early stages. After, the process an auction if deemed necessary.

  • Team composition

The five women’s franchises will work as same as the men’s IPL. Where each team will have a maximum of 18 players and four overseas players will be allowed in the Playing11.

  • Emphasis on women participation

The BCCI is putting a lot of emphasis on greater participation from women in this league on field and off the field also. BCCI also wants to create a Women Centric Ecosystem by building a narrative around the game and the league. Also, be it match commentary, on-ground presentations, corporate partnerships, sponsors, etc.