The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is making serious efforts to conduct the Women's Indian Premier League (WIPL) from 2023 after a decision was taken on the same at a governing council meeting earlier this year.

According to a report in The New Indian Express, the BCCI has shortlisted two windows to host a franchise-style T20 league for women.

The Indian board is said to have had talks with stakeholders on the sidelines of the IPL playoffs, with March 2023 being considered an appropriate time to organize the event. If not, September would most certainly be considered an option.

The popularity of women’s cricket in India cricket has grown by leaps and bounds in the last five years. Recently, the BCCI staged the Women’s T20 Challenge and the competition garnered attention from the fans.

Nearly 8,621 people were in attendance for the final between Supernovas and Velocity at MCA Stadium in Pune, which clearly demonstrates how far the game has progressed.  

The report also suggests that the BCCI is understood to have had discussions with Cricket Australia and England and Wales Cricket Board and planning to ask the International Cricket Council (ICC) to create a separate window for its new league in the month of March.

As per the report, the BCCI has received positive response from other boards about their players’ participation.

The BCCI is understood to begin the league with 6 teams. Apparently, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have expressed interest in purchasing a franchise while Chennai Super Kings also seem interested, having recently opened an academy for girls.

(With The New Indian Express inputs)