2023 will be a good time to start a full-fledged Women's IPL: Sourav Ganguly

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has hinted at a possibility of having a full-fledged Womens' Indian Premier League (IPL) starting from 2023. 

The Women's T20 Challenge is often restricted to just 3-4 matches and Ganguly says that like the men's edition, we could also have a similar tournament for the women.

"We are at the level of formulation to have a full-fledged WIPL. It is certainly going to happen," Ganguly said in an interview to PTI.

"I strongly believe that next year i.e. 2023 will be a very good time to start a full-fledged women's IPL which will be as big and grand a success as men's IPL."

There have been reports of Ganguly sitting in on the selection meetings to put pressure on the selectors, but the former India captain has completely denied these allegations.

"I don't think I need to answer anybody anything (on this) and dignify any of these baseless accusations. I am the president of BCCI and I do the job of what the president of BCCI should be doing," Ganguly, who has played 424 international matches said.

"Also just to let you know, I see a picture doing the rounds (of social media) showing me sitting in a selection committee meeting.

"I want to make it clear, that picture (where Ganguly can be seen sitting with secretary Jay Shah, skipper Virat Kohli and joint secretary Jayesh George) wasn't from a selection committee meeting.

"Jayesh George isn't a part of selection committee meetings. (I have played) 424 international matches for India. Not a bad idea at times to remind people about it, isn't it?"

Speaking of his relationship with Jay Shah, Ganguly said,  "I share a fantastic relationship with Jay. He is a very dear friend and a trusted colleague." 

"Me, Jay, Arun (Dhumal) and Jayesh (George), we have all been working together to get the board going in these difficult times especially with COVID-19 in these two years. To make sure that cricket happens. I would say it has been a fantastic two years. We have all done it as a team."

While there were reports that Eden Gardens may function at 75% capacity for the India-West Indies series, Ganguly has clarified saying that all the matches, including the ones in Ahmedabad will be played behind closed doors.

"Let me put this on record. We are not allowing spectators at the Eden Gardens for the three T20 Internationals. There will not be any tickets for the general public. The only people allowed are CAB officials and representatives of the various units.

"In these times, we can't risk the health of the players by allowing spectators. No tickets for the stands of Life or Associate members will be issued. Obviously, we have the clearance of West Bengal government but BCCI doesn't want to risk the health safety of players."

With Hardik Pandya named the captain of the Ahmedabad franchise, Ganguly expects him to bowl a lot more now and keep the selectors interested.

"I expect him to bowl a lot more overs and his body will get stronger. Also, he is now captain of Ahmedabad IPL and that will be a platform where his form and fitness will be checked by selectors. Accordingly, they will take a call," Ganguly said.

Ganguly went on to add that the new Test captain of India will be announced in due course. 

"There are certain parameters of leadership and whoever fits the bill will be the next Indian Test captain. I believe selectors will have a name in mind and they will discuss it with office-bearers -- President and Secretary -- and it will be announced in due course of time."

While the plan is still to hold IPL 2022 in India, Ganguly says that they are monitoring the Covid-19 situation in the country and will take a call on the venues soon.

"As BCCI has always maintained that this is the Indian Premier League and we would ideally want to hold it in India."

"Yes, we haven't yet officially announced as we are still tracking the COVID-19 situation in the country. Yes, we would finalise the venues in some time. The plan is very much to hold it in India and we are preparing accordingly."