Beyond IPL

For a long time now, this country has been overly keen to play and watch the sport brought to us by our colonisers way back in the early 1700s. Since then, the sport's popularity has exponentially grown in the country, having a far-reaching impact across rural and hinterlands. India has not just played cricket but rather lived it. It is astonishing to witness the support this sport enjoys across communities, classes, etc., whatever that segregates people under the garb of being an Indian. Cricket brings the true colours of secularism to a bloom, surging excitement across the nation and within the people. It is the sort of popularity and impact on Indian society that makes Cricket almost a religion in India. Sheer support, eager eyes glued to screens, group discourses and even betting, Cricket certainly sends the audience in a frenzy. And, it is this enthusiasm which has made cricketers popular than local MLAs and even cinema stars. India would come to a halt when Sachin used to bat, and this alone explains what cricket means to India. Widening the sport across formats has garnered a tremendous response, especially in India where 12 editions of Indian Premier League have transcended Cricket's popularity. It has become an astounding source of entertainment. There has been a certain development inclined closely to India's cricketing roadmap which has been largely eclipsed by the sport's men-centric mindset. Women's cricket has not been as popular as men's yet it has been played out for some time now. Though Men's cricket sparks "Bleed Blue" emotions, with comprehensive excitement revolving around who's who and fact discussions, women's cricket has also made a dent in the average Indian psyche – and Mithali Raj's popularity ascertains it. BCCI has taken gradual steps to expand the scope of Women's cricket with the introduction of an exhibition match between Supernovas and Trailblazers at the Wankhede Stadium on May 22 last year, just prior to the final of IPL 11. Though an impressive idea, the closely fought match did not receive much fanfare due to scorching sun at the peak of summer. Taking forward the concept, BCCI this term has widened the scope and introduced a three-team 20-over tournament that will be taking place at Jaipur. Calling it the Women's T20 challenge, BCCI has decided to shift the matches to the evening slot this time around, and the fixtures will include three group stage games where the three sides — Velocity being the newest entrant this year — face each other once, which then will be followed by the two top teams locking horns in the final. Four games against one exhibition match last year holds the prospect of extending women's cricket's popularity and simultaneously aiding the players to improve their game. And, with the traditional IPL format of involving overseas players in the fray, the concept presents a global platform to the players. Women's IPL reserves potential to promote the sport while incessantly attracting women talent for identifying good players and expanding the selection pool. The exposure it promises is worth efforts put in for such an event. Women's IPL aims to set a standard which, hopefully, will one day match the popularity of men's form. While tickets to the novel game have been made free to encourage viewers to provide their support, popularity will be picked up at its own pace. A successful conclusion would motivate the apex cricket body to develop a full-size Women's IPL which will be highly beneficial for women. It will also bring women's cricket to the forefront and induce a conducive effect urging girls to pick up the sport, and in general promoting sports in the country. And, with the popularity that Cricket holds in this country, chances of downfall are minimal with a lot to yield.