Harsha Bhogle bats for Women’s IPL, but for shorter version

As Harsha Bhogle decided to go live on Facebook on Wednesday, the cricket expert was bombarded with questions pertaining to IPL. Among the many asked, the journalist took a special liking towards a question asked about the feasibility of Women’s IPL. It was just after the ICC Women’s World Cup when the eves had reached the final that a suggestion of a women’s league alongside the men’s league was floated around.

While over the months, the idea has gathered steam with the board deciding to go on a trial basis, its implementation and execution is still questionable. However, Harsha Bhogle seemed to have all of it clear in his head as he explained the dilemmas and remedies to it. 

“I don’t know if women’s IPL will be able to sustain itself. Though Women’s Big Bash League has been a success, I have my reservations. Trialling it alongside the men’s tournament would be a good idea for the moment to have an idea of how much people are watching or liking it. 

“But, I think there should be teams with six Indian players and five overseas players. So, there will be six teams with six Indian players- 36 Indian players. Once that is successful, we can go with a combination of seven and four. We can expect it in 2019 but in a shorter version, like the Women’s T20 world cup. I’m very much in favour of it as long as it is limited 20-21 games and not 60,” said Bhogle.

Another pertaining question in the live session was if one could see a lengthier IPL in the future. While the cash-rich league has been one of the biggest blockbusters in domestic league cricket, hardly had anyone thought of giving it an extensive run. Harsha, however, was of the opinion that it would be possible only if cricket’s format was changed from nation vs nation to club vs club.

“A bigger and longer IPL means the structure has to change. If cricket remains a nation vs nation tournament with some club competitions thrown in, then IPL cannot be lengthier than what it is now. If however, cricket moves away from that format then I think IPL will go on from March 1 till the end of May. We’ll have three months of high-intensity cricket. We already know that viewership isn’t an issue and I don’t think there will be overkill by any means. 

“But, we have to see where cricket is going as a game because there will be numerous games being played elsewhere internationally and players will be coming and going. So, eight-team format played over seven weeks is absolutely fine and gives a good season. There is also no international cricket at that time, so IPL has that pre-eminent position,” said Harsha.   

One of the more interesting questions in the session was the changing perception of IPL in England. Over the years, England was the only nation to have their domestic league clashing during the IPL season, which has changed this time. And Harsha demystified it. 

“It is largely because England have looked down on the IPL. Their schedules have always clashed, their taxation system has been such that players have to be paid very well in India to be paid there. But, now they’ve realized it is not about money but players growing. So, I think we will see more English players.

“One good example would be David Willey. Had he been an Australian then he would be in IPL along time back. But, just because he is an English player, his skills and availability never came to the fore. But, we’ve to fall in love with them and things will change soon,” same Harsha Bhogle.