India's cricket board has invited bids to own teams in the inaugural women's Indian Premier League, which could become one of the biggest money-spinners in women's sport.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The glittering IPL is the world's top Twenty20 league, with leading global stars including Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes and David Warner playing for different franchises.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It was set up in 2008 and consultants D and P Advisory estimated it was worth $10.9 billion last year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the formation of a women's version last year when BCCI secretary Jay Shah hinted that five or six teams could be involved.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
No putative bidders have so far confirmed their interest, but media reports suggest that the IPL's Rajasthan Royals could seek a women's franchise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Team backers in men's IPL include Nita Ambani, wife of multi-billionaire Mukesh Ambani, the world's eighth-richest man according to Forbes, who owns the Mumbai Indians, the richest and most successful side in IPL history with five titles to their name.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is also on the list of celebrity owners with Kolkata Knight Riders.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In a statement, the BCCI invited "reputed entities" to pay $6,000 for a copy of the Women's IPL tender documents, which will be available until January 21.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The contest is tentatively set for March to fit between the T20 women's World Cup in South Africa and the start of the men's IPL season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The cash-rich men's IPL -- which expanded to 10 men's teams to include Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans and 74 matches last year -- is a huge revenue earner for the BCCI.<\/p>\r\n\r\n