Bengal Pro T20: India's First State Association-Run Women's Franchise League Announced

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has unveiled plans for the inaugural Bengal Pro T20 tournament, featuring both men's and women's events, set to debut in June this year. Notably, the women's competition marks the first state association-run women's franchise T20 league in India, offering a significant platform for female cricketers.

Here are the key highlights of the Bengal Pro T20 tournament:

- Scheduled over a 21-day period in June, the tournament will feature eight teams each for the men's and women's categories.

- Men's teams will consist of 17 players, while women's teams will have 16 players, all hailing from Bengal, including coaches.

- Matches will be held at iconic venues: Eden Gardens for men's matches and the Jadavpur University ground for women's matches.

- Each day will witness double-headers, with women's matches in the morning and afternoon, followed by men's matches in the afternoon and evening.

- The tournament will adhere to IPL-like rules, including regulations concerning corruption.

Importantly, all eight teams will operate as franchises, a pioneering move by a state association in India. Franchises will be responsible for team ownership and player payments within the salary cap framework, relieving CAB of financial burdens associated with the league.

CAB president Snehasish Ganguly emphasized the significance of providing a platform for Bengal's cricketers to showcase their talent, addressing past criticisms of limited opportunities compared to other regions like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The league aims to serve as a launching pad for aspiring cricketers and elevate Bengal's cricketing landscape.

While similar initiatives have been contemplated elsewhere, such as by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, Bengal's proactive approach underscores a commitment to fostering women's cricket at the grassroots level.

The announcement reflects a significant step forward for women's cricket in India, offering promising talent a structured pathway to professional cricket within the state framework. As preparations intensify for the inaugural Bengal Pro T20, anticipation grows for a groundbreaking season showcasing Bengal's cricketing prowess on a national stage.