Manchester United Football Club has expressed interest in acquiring a team in the Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL). The club had previously attempted to acquire an Indian Premier League franchise but was unsuccessful.
According to a representative for Manchester United owners, Avram Glazier, a major stakeholder in the club, is seriously considering buying a team in the WIPL. Phil Oliver, the CEO of Desert Vipers, a team owned by Manchester United’s owners in the International League T20, stated that having already invested in the ILT20, it is natural for them to look into other cricket opportunities worldwide, including the WIPL.
The auction for the inaugural WIPL will be held on January 25th. It has been reported that over 20 parties, including existing IPL franchises and those who missed out on buying a team in 2021, are expected to participate.
“We are excited about the opportunity to enter the Indian market,” said Oliver. “With a large number of cricket fans in India, we believe they will be eager to see what the Desert Vipers can bring to the tournament. Our goal is to bring an exciting brand of cricket to Indian fans and continue to entertain our fans around the world.”
This announcement has generated a buzz among the Indian and overseas markets, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently launched the Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the WIPL. The ITT can be purchased until January 21st, and it is expected that the bidding war will be intense.
Manchester United Football Club is one of the most successful and popular sports teams in the world, with a dedicated fan base spanning multiple countries. The club’s entry into the WIPL is expected to bring a new level of excitement and interest to the tournament, as well as help promote women’s cricket in India.
In a statement, Manchester United’s spokesperson said: “Manchester United is committed to promoting sports and gender equality, and this is an opportunity to showcase the talent of women cricketers on a global stage. We believe that this acquisition would be beneficial for the club, the league, and the sport as a whole.”
This move by Manchester United’s owners is an indication of the growing interest in the sport of cricket. It is also an indication of the increasing popularity of the WIPL, which is set to become one of the premier women’s cricket leagues in the world.