The world's largest T20 tournament, the Indian Premier League, is set to kickstart its 15th edition tonight at Mumbai. The defending champions Chennai Super Kings will lock horns with the previous season's runner-up Kolkatta Knight Riders in the opening clash at the Wankhede Stadium. Now, it is being reported that the BCCI is planning for Women's IPL.

The latest buzz in the sports circle is that the BCCI is planning to host a full-fledged Women's IPL starting from 2023. Board President Sourav Ganguly confirmed this on Friday during the IPL Governing Council meeting. "It (the full-fledged women's IPL) has to be approved by the AGM. We plan to start it by next year hopefully," Ganguly told reporters after the meeting.

The board is looking forward to having over six teams in the maiden season. As per sources, the present IPL teams will be given the first call to pick teams. All the existing ten men's IPL franchises will be given the first right of refusal to buy the women's IPL teams. Reports suggest that at least four men's IPL franchises are interested in investing in WIPL.

This year, the BCCI will again be conducting exhibition matches. A three-team women's T20 Challenge of four matches will be held in Pune in May, during the time of IPL 2022 playoffs. Ahmedabad is expected to host the playoffs this season, even though a formal decision is awaited. While there won't be any opening ceremony, the IPL plans to have a closing ceremony on May 29.