IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore had requested the BCCI to organize a mixed-gender match featuring the premier men and women cricketers of India in 2020. However, the board has turned down the offer as the rules of BCCI do not authorize the contracted players to be a part of exhibition cricket matches.
BCCI had earlier permitted the RCB authorities to run the promotions for this mixed-gender match featuring some star men and women cricketers. The advertisements even aired on television during the 12th edition of IPL.
The promo featured team India’s captain, Virat Kohli playing cricket along with India’s female cricketers Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Smriti Mandhana. This promotion had created a buzz in the cricket universe thanks to its extraordinary concept.
The attempts of the RCB officials have gone in vain as BCCI has rejected the request despite allowing them to run the promotions during IPL 2019. According to the rules, BCCI cannot release the contracted players to take part and play in exhibition matches which resulted in the request’s denial.
The Committee of Administrators too had turned down the request proposed by the RCB side for this unique initiative. It would be heartbreaking for the fans as they were keen to witness this special cricket match.
Amid the Coronavirus pandemic which has already postponed IPL 2020 indefinitely, this was another negative development for the cricket fans. It would be interesting to see if the fans get a chance to witness an inter-gender T20 match in the future or no.
