Seven IPL franchises show interest in buying teams for the inaugural Women’s IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to make a global T20 league for female cricketers along the lines of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in form of Women’s IPL.

As per the note sent by the BCCI to state associations, the women’s IPL will feature 20 league games with the five teams playing each other twice. The table toppers will earn a direct entry into the final, while the second and third-place teams will battle out in the Eliminator. Each side can have 18 players with a maximum of six from foreign countries.

The BCCI is mulling a base price of close to INR 400 crore for Women’s IPL franchises. It was the same base price that the Indian cricket board set for Men’s IPL franchises back in 2008.

As reported by InsideSport, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will have their WIPL teams and are ready to pick up tender documents as soon as BCCI announces it.

Five other IPL franchises namely – Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have also informed the BCCI of their wish to field a women’s team.

I know Smriti wants to play for CSK: Kate Cross

England pacer Kate Cross, who is also a renowned CSK fan, hopes that if the franchise enters the Women’s IPL and owns a team, she would get to play for them whenever the tournament happens.

“I would obviously love to play in Chepauk. I don’t know which teams would have a women’s team, but hopefully if CSK could have a women’s team that would be fantastic. I know Smriti wants to play for them, so if Smriti [Mandhana] is my captain, I would be very happy with that. But again, it’s a long time away. I can’t just come and play for CSK just because I am a big fan. I have got to be good at cricket as well. Hopefully, I have got the opportunity to prove myself and maybe get the opportunity next year.”