IPL for women cricketers in the near future

The BCCI is considering the idea of introducing a cricket league for women on the lines of the Indian Premier League, set to commence from April 18.

Speaking to the press, BCCI President Sharad Pawar said, "We are planning matches on the basis of the IPL."

Pawar, who watched the ongoing women's Challenger Trophy match between India 'B' and India 'C,' said the Board was also looking for new sponsors for the eves' team.

Shubangi Kulkarni, convenor of women's cricket in the BCCI, said, "The idea to introduce it (the cricket league) is there and we will have to put it forward in the Board meeting."

However, she added that progress on this would be made after the response of IPL in April.

"We are at an early stage and still discussing the concept," added Shubangi.

On the ongoing Challenger Trophy in Mumbai, Pawar said the performance of the players was encouraging for the game.

"I want to change the face of the entire game," he said.

On the uncertainty over Australian players' participation in IPL, Pawar said he was informed by Cricket Australia well in advance that some of the cricketers would not be available this season.

"We have had a detailed discussion with them (CA) since the concept was formulated and they told us that they cannot commit playing all the players this season," he said.