WIPL: BCCI announces a new player draft set-up

BCCI Ex-President Sourav Ganguly and Smriti Mandhana captured with the WIPL trophy [Source: BCCI]

For the first edition of the full-blown Women's IPL BCCI has confirmed how it will go about picking players. The historical event is set to take place in March 2023 as confirmed by the BCCI. 

Bidding process

An open bidding process is set to take place by the end of 2022. Out of the existing 10, six of the IPL franchises have openly expressed their interest in establishing a team. They will not be given the right to refusal and will have to make fresh bids for the women's franchises along with other interested corporations. 

BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla on WIPL

“We have in principle decided to start a women's IPL. IPL governing council was asked to finalize the details for the same. Franchise auction and all other things will be decided in some time.”

Player drafts

Unlike the men's IPL, there will be no auction, instead there will be a player draft put in place. BCCI has stated that an approximate of 60 Indian players will be a part of the draft. The board hasn't decided how they will go about dividing the franchises, they might follow the men's city wise distribution.

Also Read: BCCI officially approves Women's IPL in the 91st AGM