First published on January 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. IST
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the successful bidders for the five Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams, overseas stars hailed the “historic day”, saying the development will have an impact on women’s sports around the world. BCCI secured a joint bid of ₹4,669.99 crore through the sale of the five clubs.
Former England cricketer turned commentator Isa Guha wrote: “A historic day for women’s football”.
“For sure this is HISTORIC. The women’s game is already breaking records and they haven’t even played a game yet. It’s so exciting. Congratulations to @BCCI and everyone involved. Teams announced: Adani (Ahmedabad) Indiawin (Mumbai), RCB (Bangalore), JSW (Delhi), Capri Global (Lucknow) #WPL,” tweeted former Australian cricketer Lisa Shalekar.
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Australian peacekeeper Megan Schutt said the development was excellent not only for women’s cricket but also for women’s sports around the world. “Incredibly exciting, it marks the start of an era. Ideal for female cricketers, but also ideal for women’s sport around the world, investment equals opportunity,” Schutt said.
New Zealand’s Frances Mackay added: “Huge day for women’s cricket. Look at those numbers! Can’t wait for the Women’s Premier League!”
Australian all-rounder Jessica Jonassen said: “Wow! What an amazing result for the women’s game.”
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England peacemaker Kate Cross didn’t cut her words, calling out those ‘who have devalued women [game] sport” in the past. “Today is the day you can put your middle finger in front of all those people who have devalued women’s sport. The @BCCI has recognized that something special is happening and will give female cricketers the platform they deserve. Here comes the #WPL,” Cross tweeted.
IPL team owners Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) made successful bids of ₹912.99 crore, ₹901 crore and ₹810 crore respectively to enter the WPL. South African Marizanne Kapp, England’s Danielle Wyatt and Australia’s Holly Ferling said the women’s league would “change their lives”. “This is amazing! How exciting,” Wyatt tweeted.
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“Today is the day the landscape of women’s cricket and women’s sport has changed forever. Game changing. Life changing. #WPL,” Ferling wrote.
“How exciting, great day for women’s cricket,” Kapp said.
Former cricketer Mel Jones lost her words. “When you have no words but a million words at once,” Jones tweeted.
(With PTI entries)
Last updated Jan 26, 2023 11:00 AM IST