We would be more than interested to own a team in Women's IPL: Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia

In an IPL Governing Council meeting last week, a five to six team Women's IPL was proposed for next year with the existing franchises getting first preference to be part of the competition.

FILE PHOTO: Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia.

Punjab Kings would be "more than interested" if it is offered to own a team in the proposed Women's Indian Premier League (IPL) next year, its co-owner Ness Wadia said on Monday.

In an IPL Governing Council meeting last week, a five to six team Women's IPL was proposed for next year with the existing franchises getting first preference to be part of the competition.

"We would be more than interested in that (Women's IPL). IPL for women is long overdue and it would be very special when it happens. Women's cricket has really developed over the years," Wadia told

PTI .

"The World Cup is going on right now and there is so much interest for the women's game. It was heartbreaking to see our team lose yesterday."

Asked about the base price for owning a women's team, Wadia said, "That is for the BCCI to decide but I can tell you if we are asked to own a team we would be more than interested. I feel the league would be sustainable as well."

The BCCI has been under a bit of pressure to organise the Women's IPL. The Women's Big Bash League in Australia has been taking place since 2015-2016 and a Women's The Hundred competition was also staged in the UK last year. Cricket West Indies (CWI) will organise a three-team Caribbean Premier League (CPL) from this year onwards.

BCCI pocketed over a billion dollars for selling two new men's IPL teams. The Board is expecting another windfall with the IPL media rights up for grabs. Star had paid approximately Rs 16,000 crore for the 2018-2022 cycle.

The next five-year cycle could fetch as much as Rs 40,000 crore.

"I would be surprised if it doesn't double at least. Upwards of 35,000 crore for sure," said Wadia.