New Zealand women's team skipper Sophie Devine believes women's IPL has the potential of taking the game to next level globally and it would be exciting for everyone if the tournament is held with full flow going into the future.
BCCI had originally scheduled a four-team contest in this year's Women's T20 Challenge with seven matches compared to last year's four. However, the coronavirus pandemic forced the Indian board to postpone the tournament indefinitely.
India reached the final of the Women's T20 World Cup 2020 and since then, calls have risen to hold a full-fledged women's IPL. Australia and England have been hosting Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) and KIA Super League (KSL) respectively and this has helped both countries to produce talented and gifted players.
"I think it would be fantastic to see a fully-fledged women's IPL and it could certainly take the women's game to the next level globally. We have already seen the success that domestic leagues such as the WBBL and KSL to the standard of play as well as offering international players opportunities to play overseas," Devine said in an exclusive interview with ANI.
She also has a high regard for the Indian women's ODI skipper.
"Mithali Raj has been a stalwart of the women's game for so many years and has done so much not only for cricket in India but around the world. Her composure at the crease is something that I've always admired," Devine said.
Earlier this month, Devine was appointed as the permanent skipper of the White Ferns while former skipper Amy Satterthwaite, who was on maternity leave, was named her deputy.
New Zealand is scheduled to host the ICC Women's 50-over World Cup next year, however fate of the tournament remains uncertain due to the impact caused by coronavirus worldwide.
"My fingers are crossed that this event (World Cup) goes ahead but we need to also understand that it is an extremely tough situation that is affecting the whole world at the moment. I have full trust in the governing bodies and health experts that whatever decision is made will be the right one," she added.
New Zealand is due to return to international action with a tour to Australia starting in late September and will play three ODIs and three T20Is.
John Stephenson
john@cricketinvestor.co.uk
#Cricketnews #CNZ #Women’sIPL
