The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has made a groundbreaking announcement that is set to reshape the landscape of women’s cricket in India. Bengal is poised to host the country’s inaugural state association-run women’s T20 league, named the Bengal Pro T20, to be held alongside a men’s tournament in Kolkata this June.
This move by CAB marks a significant step towards providing equal opportunities for women cricketers, mirroring the success of men’s T20 tournaments conducted by other state cricket boards across India. Notably, tournaments like the Tamil Nadu Premier League and the Maharaja Trophy by the Karnataka State Cricket Association have gained prominence in recent years, showcasing the talent pool and fostering the growth of cricket at the grassroots level.
The decision to introduce the Bengal Pro T20 league underscores CAB’s commitment to promoting women’s cricket and providing a platform for talented players to showcase their skills. The league aims to offer similar opportunities for women as their male counterparts, bridging the gap and empowering female cricketers to excel in the sport.
Former India cricketers, including the legendary Jhulan Goswami, have hailed the initiative as a game-changer for women’s cricket in Bengal. Goswami, who serves as the bowling coach and mentor at the WPL team Mumbai Indians, believes that the league will not only provide valuable exposure to Bengal’s women cricketers but also serve as a talent pool for franchises scouting for raw talent.
Jhulan Goswami, speaking exclusively to ESPNcricinfo, emphasized the potential benefits for both Bengal and India in preparing within such a competitive environment. “This league presents new avenues for growth, particularly for women who often lack extensive exposure beyond BCCI tournaments,” she noted.
With CAB’s commitment to professionalism, the Bengal Pro T20 league is set to operate on a franchise-based model, providing financial incentives for players and enhancing the overall standard of women’s cricket in the region. The assurance of equitable pay for all players, as per the salary cap, is expected to incentivize participation and facilitate better access to training facilities for players from smaller towns.
The league’s emphasis on promoting local talent is evident from its eligibility criteria, which restricts participation to players from Bengal. This strategic approach aims to nurture homegrown talent and elevate the standard of women’s cricket within the state.
Furthermore, the league is poised to address the dearth of competitive opportunities for women cricketers, particularly those who are unable to secure a spot in premier tournaments like the WPL. By providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and gain valuable match experience, the Bengal Pro T20 league is expected to unearth hidden talents and foster the development of women’s cricket at all levels.
With plans in place to field eight teams comprising 16 members each, the league is set to involve a total of 128 players, drawing from the rich talent pool within Bengal. The selection process will prioritize a mix of senior players, mid-level performers, and promising youngsters, ensuring a competitive and balanced competition.
As Bengal gears up to host India’s maiden state association-run women’s T20 league, the cricket fraternity awaits with anticipation, eager to witness the emergence of new stars and the growth of women’s cricket in the region. With the support of CAB and the unwavering passion of players and fans alike, the Bengal Pro T20 league is poised to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of female cricketers and shaping the future of the sport in India.