Ness Wadia expresses interest in buying a Women IPL franchise

 

Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Ness Wadia has stated his interest in buying a franchise in the Women's Indian Premier League.

In recent years, calls have intensified for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to launch the women's version of the T20 league.

While the BCCI held a three-team Challenger Trophy in the men's IPL, a full version has yet to see the light of day.

Last week, the IPL board proposed a 5-6 team T20 women's league starting next year.

Following the development, Wadia said that he would be more than interested in reclaiming one of the franchises as he feels women's cricket is on an upward curve and deserves a league of its own.

"We would be more than interested in this (the Women's IPL). The Women's IPL is long overdue. Also, it would be very special whenever it happens. Women's cricket has really grown over the years," said co-owner of Punjab to News18. . "The World Cup is going on right now. So there is a lot of interest in women's football. It was heartbreaking to see the Indian women's team lose yesterday," she added.

Wadia also revealed that he had previously discussed the idea of ​​Women IPL with BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah.

"We talked to Jay Shah and Sourav Ganguly and they were more than happy to move on. The national anthem is played in sports leagues across the United States. I'm a staunch patriot and I got emotional when (the national anthem) was played. After all , this is the Indian Premier League," Wadia added.

When asked what base prize money he would like to donate to the women's franchise, Wadia replied that it was up to BCCI to decide, but he expressed confidence that the tournament would be a financial success.

It will be interesting to see when the women's IPL finally sees the light of day.