CAB ready to launch first women's T20 league

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has recently unveiled plans for the much-anticipated Bengal Pro T20 tournament, encompassing both men’s and women’s events. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Indian cricket, particularly for women’s cricket, as it promises to be the first full-fledged women’s franchise T20 tournament to be conducted by a state association.

First Women’s T20 League

The announcement of a dedicated women’s event within the Bengal Pro T20 tournament underscores the growing recognition and support for women’s cricket in India. While the country has witnessed the success of men’s T20 leagues, the absence of a comparable platform for women has been a glaring gap in the cricketing landscape. The introduction of this tournament aims to address this disparity and provide female cricketers with a prominent stage to showcase their talent and skills.

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Details Revealed by Snehasish Ganguly

During a press conference held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Snehasish Ganguly, the president of CAB, shared essential insights into the structure and format of the Bengal Pro T20 tournament. Among the key highlights disclosed were the duration of the game, team compositions, match venues, and operational guidelines.

“All the eight teams will be franchises-owned, which will be a first [in India for a state association-run tournament]. We have still not finalized the franchises, which will be announced at a later date. The teams will be completely owned by franchises and all players will be paid as per the salary cap. CAB will not incur any expense for the league,” Ganguly said.

Key Details of the Tournament

The Bengal Pro T20 tournament is scheduled to span over 21 days in June, featuring eight teams each in the men’s and women’s categories. Men’s matches will be hosted at the iconic Eden Gardens. In contrast, the women’s matches will take place at the Jadavpur University ground, a renowned venue for domestic cricket in the region.

Each men’s team will comprise 17 players, whereas women’s teams will consist of 16 players, all hailing from Bengal. Moreover, the tournament will adopt rules and regulations similar to those observed in the Indian Premier League (IPL), ensuring consistency and integrity across various aspects, including anti-corruption measures.

Potential Franchise Owners

CAB has been engaged in discussions with several prominent entities, including Kolkata Knight Riders and other corporate groups, regarding franchise ownership. While the final selection of franchise owners is pending, the involvement of established brands bodes well for the commercial success and visibility of the tournament.

Addressing Criticism and Providing Opportunities

Ganguly addressed longstanding criticisms concerning the limited opportunities available to Bengal cricketers compared to their counterparts from other regions. He expressed confidence that the Bengal Pro T20 tournament would catalyze change, offering local talent a platform to shine on a national stage. By nurturing homegrown talent and fostering a competitive environment, CAB aims to elevate Bengal’s stature in Indian cricket.

“For long, there had been criticism that Bengal cricketers were not getting opportunities like the ones from Tamil Nadu or Karnataka. This will be the answer to it. Bengal has a lot of talent but they did not have a proper platform till now. This will be a perfect launch pad for them,” Ganguly further added.