The Launchpad Was a Success
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) made a spectacular entry into the marketplace, snaring headlines, fans and the minds of cricket lovers everywhere. With the best international players, advertising, and respectable opening viewership it was a no-brainer – the scaffold for a global tournament had been successfully established. The Indian cricket ecosystem with the immense organizational structure of the BCCI showed that there was considerable latent potential in women’s cricket.
Star Power and Entertainment Value
The star lineup in the WPL is what really elevates the experience. With players of the standing of Meg Lanning, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Ellyse Perry all in the same league, the tournament can claim high-quality cricket with global visibility. All of these players have extensive fan bases, developed as a result of their international travel and success, meaning they will have a ready-made audience outside of the host nation. Now add the vibrant energy of venues in India, production that incorporates entertaining broadcasts and use of ostensibly smart marketing for engagement and you have a product that could be set for expansion globally.
What It Requires to Go Properly Global
While the WPL has ticked multiple boxes, there are a few critical elements missing to expand it globally—like franchise partnerships in different nations, offshore matches and multi-nation tournaments played under the WPL brand. The Men’s IPL has played matches in the UAE and South African and the WPL could do this relatively easily too. In addition, working with other international boards to hold joint women’s leagues or exhibition series, would ensure that there is something happening year around.
A Cultural Change in Mindset
Arguably, the most significant change is the perception of women’s cricket. With increased social engagement, new record attendances, and sponsors in commercial, audiences are beginning to treat women’s matches with the same level of seriousness as they do men’s matches. Young girls are watching, becoming aspirational, and engaging with the sport more than ever before. Done well, the WPL could become a global sporting brand – not just an Indian success story, which is a little different to the IPL’s reputation currently.
An Alteration to Culture through Mindset
Potentially the biggest shift is the attitude towards women’s cricket. Increased engagement on social media, record attendance numbers, and sponsors in commercial, audiences are now moving what they considered women’s events into the same conversations and discussions as the men’s events. Young girls are watching, young girls are being aspirational, young girls are engaging with the sport and sport community more than ever before. If done well, the WPL could become a global sporting brand – not just an Indian story of success, which is a little different currently to the reputation of the IPL.
Stay Updated with WPL Action on Kheloexch
As the Women’s IPL expands, and the global reach gets that little bit wider, fans everywhere are looking for platforms to be able to get up to date, involved, and entertained. WPL fans will love Kheloexch for the latest intel, motion, and action! If you are new, kheloexch sign up today and become a part of a growing cricket community in a matter of minutes, if you are already signed up, use your Kheloexch Login to catch up on every moment of the WPL, from statistics and squads to predicting match winners and beyond! The world is most definitely watching, and women’s cricket intends on leading the way.
