WIPL or WPL
The Indian Premier League is definitely a great success on all parameters. The number of viewers for those men’s IPL is increasing rapidly with every season. Moreover, certain countries did start similar leagues too.
However, now it is the turn for Womens Premier League. The stage is all set for that. The franchises’ names are out too. In addition, the Players’ auction for WIPL 2023 is also going to take place soon.
But earlier the name of the tournament was Women’s Indian Premier League. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did give the news about removing the word ‘Indian’ from the league’s name. Thus it is not WIPL anymore but WPL 2023.
Moreover, the franchises are also almost confirming the names of the teams they own. Such as, Adani Sportsline did mention that the name of their team will be Gujrat Giants. In fact, they have a team with the same name in Pro Kabaddi League.
Final Five
So, we have the confirmation from the BCCI about the final five franchises for Womens premier league. Out of those five WPL franchises, three are those which already own IPL teams in the men’s cricket league. And, two new franchises did enter the cricket market. In fact, Adani Sportsline was even trying its hand in the men’s IPL. However, they were not able to own a team there. Evidently, their wish came true with the debut season of WIPL 2023.
So, the top bid was from Adani group for Rs. 1289 crores. Thus the Ahmedabad franchise is theirs. The second highest bid was INR 912 crores by Reliance, who owns the Mumbai franchise.
Bangalore, Delhi, and Lucknow are in third, fourth, and fifth place respectively with Rs. 901 crores, Rs. 810 crores, and Rs. 757 crores.
Diageo did grab Royal Challengers Bangalore. Likewise, Capri global and DC franchises do have Lucknow and Delhi with them.
Views of Officials
The next step for Womens premier league is the player’s auction. Here is a statement from one of the officials of BCCI about WIPL 2023, “The BCCI had issued an Invitation to Tender to acquire the right to own and operate 5 (five) franchises in the WPL. The 5 (five) franchises will participate in the inaugural season of the WPL. It is subject to the bidders completing the post-bid formalities as specified in the Invitation to Tender document.”
Thus the franchises need to complete all the requirements that were mentioned in the IOT.
Moreover, the business tycoons are expecting massive success from WPL. In fact, the director of Adani enterprises, Pranav Adani did say, “The Indian women’s cricket team has been doing exceptionally well. A cricket league for women is a significant step in creating more opportunities for women through sports.” In addition, he said, “Cricket is an inseparable part of the country’s fabric. Adani Sportsline was keen to begin its association with the sport with the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League. While I wish every other franchise the very best, I look forward to the Gujarat Giants standing out as the top team in this new, exciting league.”
Details about Womens Premier League
The players’ auction for WIPL 2023 is going to take place on February 13, 2023. WPl has all the matches within Mumbai. And the grounds are Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Stadium. Earlier there were three venues for talks. But, later those were shortened to two. As Wankhede stadium is required to be ready for the 50 overs World Cup.
In addition, the league will begin on March 4. And, the last match of the tournament will be on March 26. Moreover, the total number of teams will be five.
The dates given above are confirmed by Arun Dhumal, who is the chairman of the Indian Premier League.
All in all
Thus we can clearly deduce that from now on WIPL 2023 will be known as WPL, i.e. Womens Premier League. Moreover, the franchises are final and the buying of players is going to start in a week. All in all cricket fans need to wait just for a month before the cricket war begins. Mumbai is the venue for the whole tournament. Thus, fans can be in one city and enjoy the matches. Besides, do not worry about the online telecast. You can do that too.
Therefore, be ready for the whole month of fun and entertainment.
