BCCI to discuss a league for Women's T20 in the IPL Governing Council meet

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will discuss a possible league for Women’s T20 in India, along with player regulations and bidding procedure for the 2018 IPL as per various reports.

The Governing Council meeting will take place in the capital, away from BCCI’s headquarters in Mumbai on 24th October, which could be an emotional moment for Women’s cricket in the country.

Women’s team gained an immense popularity following their exploits in the Women’s Cricket World Cup, where they ended up as runners-up, failing to match the standards of the hosts England. Since then, there has been a long-standing advocacy for a shorter format league for Women’s cricket in India, following the success of the Big Bash League in Australia.

A possible agenda list for the upcoming meeting:

A copy of the agenda for the meeting was acquired by TOI lists, which states. “IPL media rights ITT outcome, CSK legal opinion, Kochi settlement, player regulations 2018 onwards, Rajasthan Royals & Kings XI Punjab venues for the 2018 IPL, franchise owners’ meeting, the release fee to overseas boards for players availability, player injury compensation, and women’s event,” among other issues.

Committee of Administrators’ member Diana Edulji has always been a supporter of such a league in the country. The topic of starting a league for Women’s cricket has never taken off in the past, but due to the recent World Cup exploits it might just be the right time to take off in the country.

“It would be tough to find many big hitters in women’s cricket. There’s no point in launching it and failing in the process,” a BCCI official was quoted saying by the TOI.

2018 IPL Auctions still in talks:

The main point of discussion for the members would be regarding the auction for the 2018 IPL, with reports suggesting that all the players would go back to the auction pool. However, officials have reportedly been asking the franchisees individually, whether player retention should be allowed.

A few reports suggested that the BCCI are inclined to set up a “Right-to-match” option in the auction where the current owners can match the highest bid.