It is right time to launch women's IPL, says Mithali Raj after World Cup final loss

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London, July 24: After a heart-breaking final loss in the ICC Women's World Cup 2017, India captain Mithali Raj has called upon the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to launch women's Indian Premier League (IPL).

World Cup special site; Final match report

In a tense title decider at Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday (July 23), India went down by 9 runs to hosts England.

India collapsed from 191/3 to 219 all out while chasing 229 in the summit clash. But Mithali put the close defeat to youngsters being nervous.

"Everybody was very nervous and I think that resulted in our defeat," Mithali said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

She said time was right to start women's IPL. The men's tournament has been a huge success and has already completed 10 years.

The 34-year-old Mithali mentioned the experience gained by Indian players through Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia. Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana featured in the Twenty20 tournament.

"If you ask me, they should have (women's) IPL because now is the right time to create that base," Mithali said.

"The WBBL has given exposure to the two girls who have played (Smriti and Harmanpreet). If more girls participate in such leagues, it will give them experience and help them to improve their own game," she added.

Mithali and her team captured the imagination of the Indian fans through the World Cup and the BCCI announced cash prize of Rs 50 lakh each for players. The support staff will receive Rs 25 lakh apiece.

OneIndia News