"WPL" THE FUTURE FOR WOMEN'S SPORTS IN INDIA

The Women's T20 Challenge, also known as the Women's IPL, was a game-changing step forward in the promotion of women's cricket in India. As someone who was able to attend one of the matches, I can say that it was an incredible experience. The crowds were massive, and the energy was contagious.

I was impressed by the size of the crowd, which was much larger than I had anticipated. The low ticket prices, ranging from ₹100 to ₹300, and free admission for women, attracted a large number of people who would not have been able to afford a cricket match otherwise. The BCCI's strategy of offering free entry to women was particularly successful, resulting in a larger female crowd.

The WPL also provided much-needed exposure to women's cricket in India. Women's cricket has traditionally taken a back seat to men's cricket in India, but the female cricketers received unprecedented support and motivation during the tournament. The average attendance of around 9000-10000 people per match attested to women's cricket's growing popularity in India.

As a spectator at the game, I witnessed firsthand how the crowd's enthusiasm and support influenced the players' performance. It was heartwarming to see so many young girls and women turn out to support the teams. When a player crossed a boundary, the entire crowd applauded and chanted their name, adding to the excitement and energy of the game.

The only downer in the match I attended was the weather( I mean it’s like this in all matches ( but it’s yet worth watching the match), However, the excitement and energy of the spectators were comparable to that of the men's IPL. The day I went, MI and GG were playing, and it was even more fun because MI was really hitting very well, especially the captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who was outstanding that day and the crowd's enthusiasm was really next level!!

It's interesting to see how the BCCI implemented this strategy of bringing the boundaries closer to encourage high-scoring matches (200+) in the first-ever WPL. It demonstrates how actively they are attempting to support and promote women's cricket in India. It will be interesting to see how the tournament evolves in the future, as well as what new strategies and innovations are implemented to further support women's cricket.

The WPL has already had an impact on women's cricket in India, and it will undoubtedly have an impact on other female sports as well. We can expect to see women's sports in India progress and thrive with more funding and recognition. It's wonderful to see the positive impact that the WPL has had on women's cricket and women's sports in India. The tournament has given female cricketers a platform to showcase their abilities and receive the support and recognition they deserve. It's also inspiring to see how the tournament has the potential to create a cultural shift in the way women's sports are viewed in India, empowering more women to pursue their dreams in sports.

Here are some comments from cricketers about the WPL and their experience and its impact on their careers :

"Having 42,000 people watching you is why this tournament was created; it is about bringing people into this sport and inspiring the future. The tournament was a resounding success. It is very exciting for the sport, and with home and away fixtures, we can really take the franchises to the next level. It was a huge success, and I had a great time being a part of it." - Alyssa Healy's

"The WPL will provide a platform for the girls to express themselves, fight for their rights, and play the cricket they want to play." Not to be concerned about other aspects of their lives because they will be more stable after the WPL concludes — Smriti Mandhana in an interview with Sportstar.

Conclusion

Overall, this week's blog offers valuable insights into the WPL's impact on women's cricket and women's sports in India. It emphasizes the importance of continuing support and investment in female sports in order to create a more inclusive and equitable future for women's sports.

Now I'm just waiting to see what happens in today's finals, MI vs DC (men's or women's cricket). MI somehow always ends up in the finals, and I really hope they win!!

In fact, women's tickets for today's finals are free, so if any of you are interested in cricket, you should definitely go support the teams at 7:30 pm.

What do you think about this week's blog? Which team are you rooting for, MI or DC?