Women IPL 2023: Former India captain Mithali Raj is all set to ‘UNRETIRE’ to play in the inaugural Women’s IPL. Speaking on the first episode of ICC’s new podcast, 100% Cricket, Raj said she is keeping the option open. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been making preparations to launch WIPL next year with six teams. The current IPL franchises have shown interest in owning and operating WIPL teams. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE & WIPL 2023 IPL Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
“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,” Mithali Raj said.
Women IPL 2023: Mithali Raj ready to COME OUT of RETIREMENT to play in inaugural Women’s IPL: Check OUT
Women IPL 2023: What we know so far
- The BCCI top brass has confirmed that there will be a WIPL from 2023 and it will replace the Women’s T20 Challenge.
- With even Pakistan Cricket Board confirming a plan to begin Women’s PSL, the BCCI was under pressure to create the WIPL.
- The short and poorly done Women’s T20 Challenge hasn’t impressed anyone.
- However, the matches in WIPL had interests and even in-stadium audience of over 8600 for the final in Pune.
- In a thrilling contest between Supernovas and Velocity, Harmanpreet Kaur’s Supernovas triumphed.
- The BCCI held discussions with various stakeholders during the IPL 2022 Playoffs for WIPL.
- ICC chairman Greg Barclay was also present during the discussions.
- Many existing IPL franchises have also expressed interest including Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.
- Now, the BCCI is planning March or September window for the inaugural edition.
- It is not known whether WIPL will follow a player’s auction format or a players’ draft.
Women IPL 2023: Mithali Raj ready to COME OUT of RETIREMENT to play in inaugural Women’s IPL: Check OUT
The BCCI is in the final stage of planning for Women’s IPL. During the ICC annual meeting, BCCI officials will discuss a potential window for WIPL 2023. The Indian board is mulling March or September window for the inaugural edition of WIPL.
“There was a meeting during the IPL final. There are two windows for which a green signal has to be obtained, one in March/April and the second one in September/October. We will also get in touch with ICC to seek a separate window. BCCI could start men’s IPL in May next year,” ANI quoted a BCCI source as saying.
As for Mithali Raj, despite playing the Women’s T20 Challenge in previous years, she was not part of it this time. However, she is now ready to come out of retirement.
“I thought it would slow down my lifestyle, in the sense that I don’t have to plan my day, week or next series. So far it is as hectic as it has been, there’s no change to my lifestyle yet. Maybe when all these things die down, I’d probably feel the difference of what it is post-retirement,” Raj said.
Women IPL 2023: Mithali Raj ready to COME OUT of RETIREMENT to play in inaugural Women’s IPL: Check OUT
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