I would love to see a Women’s IPL start, reckons NZ all-rounder Suzie Bates

T20 cricket is a massive thing in current times, and the credit for the format becoming such a huge affair should go to one tournament, the Indian Premier League. Now, demands are being made by several members of the cricketing fraternity to host a Women’s IPL.

In an interaction facilitated by Amazon Prime Video, Suzie Bates, New Zealand all-rounder, mentioned that Women’s IPL will elevate the stature of women’s game. She also said that the tournament would help in the overall growth of all cricketers.

“I think every international women’s cricketer will be a supporter of the Women’s IPL. Before COVID-19, they did start with the exhibition matches, it was an absolute pleasure to be part of those. I would love to see a Women’s IPL start and it will present the opportunity to women cricketers to play in front of Indian fans,” said Bates.

“I think for the Indian women’s team, it will also help their depth which they have started to grow and as a player, so exciting to see franchise cricket getting going. Women’s IPL is a key tournament that is missing in the women’s game,” she added.

A home World Cup brings extra pressure: Suzie Bates

The upcoming Women’s World Cup will start on March 4, 2022, and New Zealand will be up against West Indies in the opening game at the Bay Oval. New Zealand is the host of the tournament. According to Bates, a home World Cup is exciting as well as brings a lot of pressure.

“Yeah, absolutely. There is no hiding from the fact that a home World Cup brings extra pressure as the nation wants you to do well. We have talked about that as a group and I guess we are excited about the opportunity. None of us have played in a home World Cup in New Zealand. We are excited about it and we are not too worried about the pressure that comes along with it,” said Bates.

Before the women’s World Cup starts, New Zealand will host India for a five-match ODI series. The two teams will also play one T20I.

“We could not have asked for better preparation. We have played England and Australia recently, two of the best teams in the world, but it is nice to have a chance with India. They have played the last two World Cup finals, excited to play them in our home conditions. Having five ODIs leading up to a World Cup is perfect in my opinion. We know we are going to be challenged in every area of the game,” Bates added.