According to the recent reports of Sportstar, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has informed the state units that the Board is planning to commence the first Women’s IPL early next year. In an email to state units, Ganguly has written, “The BCCI is currently working in the much-awaited women’s IPL. We are expecting to start the first season early next year.”

Sourav Ganguly also stated that the men’s IPL would go back to the home and away format with 10 teams playing at their designated venues. In June, in an interview with Sportstar, Ganguly confirmed the development. The Board has already earmarked the February-March window for next year’s WIPL and a formal go-ahead is expected after the Annual General Meeting next month.

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The owners of Rajasthan Royals and Barbados Royals have expressed their interest in having a WIPL franchise. The Knight Riders group, which has teams in multiple leagues, is also keen to add one more to their tally. However, the BCCI has been under pressure to start the women’s IPL as there has been a lot of talent all over the country.

After India’s silver medal in the recently held Commonwealth Games, veteran cricketers like Harmapreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana have backed the league. Former Indian skipper, Mithali Raj has also supported the concept and has expressed to desire to step out of retirement and be a part of the inaugural edition.

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During a chat on ICC 100% Cricket podcast, Mithali Raj said, “I’m keeping that option open. I’ve not yet decided. There are a few more months to go before the Women’s IPL happens. It would be lovely to be part of the first edition of the Women’s IPL.”