A ‘middle finger’ to the haters: Women’s Premier League makes a huge splash

Star cricketers from across the globe are hailing the long-awaited introduction of the Women’s Premier League – the women’s answer to the IPL – with one even describing it as a “middle finger up to all those people who have devalued women’s sport”.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the sale of five franchises for the WPL, which will be played in March, for amounts surpassing those raised at the launch of the men’s competition 15 years ago.

Megan Schutt has voiced her approval for the WPL.Credit: Getty Images

The owners of IPL’s Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore franchises are among the five entities who purchased teams in the WPL for a combined total of more than $800 million. The Adani group made the highest bid of approximately $223 million to buy the Ahmedabad franchise, while Capri Global Holdings agreed to pay $131 million for Lucknow.

On Twitter, star Australian bowler Megan Schutt described the development as “the start of an era” that is “great for female cricketers, but also great for female sport across the globe”.

England’s Kate Cross went a step further, saying: “Today is the day where you get to put your middle finger up to all those people who have devalued women’s sport. The BCCI have recognised something special is happening and are going to give female cricketers the platform they deserve.”

Former Australian captain Lisa Sthalekar also threw her support behind the competition, adding: “It sure is HISTORIC … the women’s game breaking records already & they haven’t even played a game yet. This is so exciting.”

Tahlia McGrath is one player who could take the WPL by storm. Late on Wednesday she was announced as the ICC’s women’s T20 International Player of the Year for 2022 after amassing 435 runs at 62.12 and a whopping strike rate of 145, in addition to claiming 13 wickets at just 12.84.

• Australia sealed victory in their T20 international series against Pakistan on Thursday night, powering to an eight-wicket win at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan were restricted to 7-96, with leg-spinner Alana King snaring 2-10 from two overs. Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Jessica Jonassen, Grace Harris and Annabel Sutherland all chipped in with a wicket each.

Javeria Khan of Pakistan is bowled by Ash Gardner.Credit: Getty Images

Australia cruised to 2-100 from 12.4 overs in reply, led by openers Beth Mooney (46) and Meg Lanning (31), who combined for a 60-run partnership.

Australia hold a 2-0 lead in the three-game series, with the final match to the staged at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on Sunday.

The hosts also won game one by eight wickets.

- With AAP, Reuters

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