WPL 2023: A One of its Kind Tournament Set to Change India's Fate
BCCI with all five franchise captains at WPL opening ceremony (wplt20.com)
A bowl of popcorn, a glass of soda and a bucket full of excitement are three staples of almost every cricket fanatic. Cricket might be a sport that is religiously watched; but it’s an emotion, a feeling of warm hug for every Indian cricket fan. The recipe of a cricket fan includes 50% knowledge of the game and 100% belief in your favourite team’s luck.
Even though women have been playing cricket in Australia, New Zealand, England since the early 70s, unfortunately, it has been male-dominated in India. India’s path of becoming the cricket powerhouse might have begun back in 1932 with its first international match in a Lord's Test. However, it moved past its biggest roadblock only much later, in 1973, with the formation of the Women's Cricket Association of India.
The journey from batsman to the gender-neutral term batter has undoubtedly been a long one. A large number of media gatherings around players is not unusual in Indian cricket, but it is for women's cricket. The launch of the Women’s Premier League is unquestionably a step in the right direction, as recognised by numerous players.
Mumbai Indians captain, Harmanpreet Kaur (Twitter)
In a virtual interaction with Hindustan Times, Indian team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur said: "I think this (WPL) is a great platform for all Indian players. We have been missing this tournament for a long time. In Australia, the WBBL, and The Hundred in England have produced so many hidden talents. After the WPL, we are definitely going to get some great talents."
Even Mumbai Indians women's team head coach Charlotte Edwards exclaimed how the launch of WPL is going to be massive for Indian cricket and help the team become stronger in the coming years.
Delhi Capitals player Meg Lanning said: "WPL is a massive moment for the sport, it's the logical next step and makes a lot of sense. Cricket in India is people's lives and the fact that WPL is up and running, and to be involved in something like this, is amazing. It's only going to grow in the coming years". She further also said the WPL offers a great platform for young Indian girls.
In all reality, it is true to say that with the coming of WPL, the purpose of gapping the bridge between the Indian and International players is going to be met with success. With its all-go-away-tournament format, each team would get to play against the other twice and compete with one another in a total of 20 league matches.
The league will lead the way for many talented and skilled players to come and represent their countries. Moreover, WPL would allow young and forthcoming cricketers to showcase their talents and in return also learn from the experienced players from all over the world.
An organisation as thriving as BCCI plays a crucial role in having an impact on the people. Needless to say, through Women's T20 World Cup advertisement, in which a lady is seen asking a sports shop owner for the other Sharma's cricket jersey when given one with "Rohit" printed on it or it’s vision for the WPL, "Har zubaan par naam tera [Your name will be on every tongue],” it has been flourishing and also receiving a positive response from people. This can clearly be seen through the vast support WPL has been sustaining from people, whether it’s in terms of their participation in stadiums or virtually supporting their favourite cricket players.
It is safe to say that in the past, the Indian Premier League has — received an enormous amount of fan engagement, both, within the country as well as abroad. It’s innovative marketing strategies, and strong social media fever has ensured that every fan around the world gets their scoop of fun along with a smidge of essential information.
Currently, IPL is the most valued T20 league in the world with a brand value over 6.5 billion dollars.
While Women Premier League’s vision of making women’s cricket climb the ladder of success in the country is gradually moving further, it is needless to say that the use of same IPL strategies would ensure that it gains a similar momentum of achievement, rather even quicker in today’s scenario.