Women’s Premier League (WPL) is changing and redefining Women’s Cricket in India.
It is well said about the influence of cricket in South Asia, especially India,
“Cricket is not just a sport in South Asia; it is a way and celebration of life that unites people across borders.”
Like it is the universality of Football in Europe, it is the influence of cricket in South Asia.
India, being the biggest place for cricket has manifested how cricket has grown and benefited the nation. There are stadiums, and several leagues being played, IPL, and the Women’s Premier League.
If we precisely talk about WPL, it shades more of the woman empowerment than just another addition in sports.
Women’s cricket has gone a long way and it is also a reality that as compared to man sports it has not been that highlighted.
Despite the long past and prominence, Indian women’s cricket has been eclipsed by men’s cricket. However, now it is the modern age, and the way things have changed in several sectors for women, the same way it is happening in cricket which is game-changing.
Women’s Premier League is paving the way for a change in the sport of cricket in India.
The rise of Women’s Cricket in India with WPL
Indian Women’s Cricket is growing and the Indian women’s cricket team has accomplished numerous noteworthy accomplishments. The women are making good names and the Women’s Premier League is a turning point for women’s cricket in India that would help raise the profile of women in the nation.
The tournaments like them are not merely big competitions where people come, enjoy and leave. But if we reflect on the broad spectrum, these are full of opportunities, living prospects, and rights for women which are beautiful.
The Women’s Premier League has given Indian and international players a platform to showcase their abilities and most importantly promoted gender equality and commended more girls to participate in cricket. It is like dream coming true for a lot of girls.
According to the statistical analysis of WPL,
“In January 2023, the five teams were purchased for $580 million in WPL. The broadcasting rights were sold to Viacom18 for $117 million over five years which makes it the second-highest per event in women’s sport in the world, after basketball in the United States. The Women’s Premier League will be the largest and most lucrative women’s cricket tournament with Nearly 4 1,500 women participating in the auction on February 13 for 90 places – 18 in each franchise. Smriti Mandhana of India will make the most after Bangalore offers $413,000 for her. At $390,000 each, all-rounders Ashleigh Gardner and Natalie Sciver from Australia and England are the highest-rated foreign players.”
The statistics of cricket upcoming matches are saying themselves. Such large amounts are both an indicator of the strength of women’s cricket.
Investors in the sports industry recognize that there is already substantial popular engagement with it, which could have greater returns in the future with better leadership and management.
WPL will provide chances for woman empowerment as young Indian players play alongside and against some of the world’s best players.
This will ultimately help in the development of skills and confidence levels for Indian players. Women’s Cricket in India would be a great learning and growing opportunity. The Indian conglomerate Tata Group is the title sponsor for the first five years in February.
Here, money is not the only thing that matters. Though, it holds its importance. The more money that comes into the sport, the more it will be available to develop players, establish infrastructure, and build competitions. It would help in this situation of growth in Women’s cricket popularity.
The WPL was founded at a period when there was a surge in interest in women’s cricket upcoming matches around the world.
This competition will be aired on television and online also. This means it is going to be a full package of fun, entertainment, and sports.
Since it is the debut of the women’s Premier League, it aims to be the top league in women’s cricket. Started in Mumbai, and this season is only 22 days long. However, it is going to alter the course of Women’s Cricket in India.
It’s going to be perhaps the most transformative competition in women’s cricket history. The five-team tournament uses the fast-paced T20 style, with games lasting approximately three hours. The Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, and UP Warriorz of Lucknow will fight until March 26.”
The end note
WPL and Women’s Cricket in India are preparing the way for a revolution for women. The market of cricket is now growing to a broader audience. And even more, there would be and should be more female competitions because why not? They are performing, accomplishing, and making well-deserving names which already makes them appropriate to receive full of opportunities.
This is a fantastic initiative for Women’s Cricket in India that will bring more attention to women’s cricket. This will open up doors and ideas in several states to launch their teams like this which would be wonderful.
Like there are men’s leagues around the world, similar women’s leagues like WPL will also spring up all over the world. These things make cricket seem like a possible profession for women and young girls. It is an assurance that cricket is a full-time career for women.
India is going to see women rising in this field as their home is providing them a great platform and they don’t need to go outside.
WPL is a reality check to those deterring women as it is breaking down barriers and can be just as exciting and entertaining as men’s cricket.
Women’s Cricket in India will grow, become a global power and pave the way for a new era for women with opportunities and possibilities.
