Australia captain Lanning wants IPL for women

Kolkata, April 2 (Cricketnmore): Australian women's team captain Meg Lanning has stated that the only way forward for women's cricket is through the Twenty20 format, adding that a separate Indian Premier League (IPL) will be a boost for the eves.

"It certainly is a very exciting form of game. It creates a great atmosphere and people want to watch it. T20 has been the vehicle of women's cricket for the last few years now. We love playing Test cricket when we get a chance and we would love playing more. There's no doubt T20 is the way forward for the women's game,” Lanning told the media here on the eve of their Women's World Twenty20 final against West Indies.

"We've seen women's Big Bash kick off to a good success in Australia. There's Super League in England as well. If there was an IPL for women here it will take the game forward and players will love to be involved in it," Lanning said, echoing the sentiments of England captain Charlotte Edwards and Indian skipper Mithali Raj.

Australia are in search for their fourth successive World T20 title on the trot, and Lanning says they have done their homework on the West Indies for whom it will be the first final.

"The West Indies certainly have number of players who can take the game away. We've certainly done the homework on some of their big players. We're a settled team, we have been playing some good cricket. It's not just about defending it. We're here to win it just like every other side," she said.

She also did not want to underestimate the opponents who have had a dream run so far.

"West Indies are playing some good cricket. We are expecting a tough battle tomorrow. The West Indies will certainly look to come out firing, so we are ready for the challenge. We are going to make sure we will do everything right from the very beginning," she said.

While the Australian women will be fighting for their fourth successive World T20 title, their male compatriots have not won any. But Lanning said they are here not to compete against Steve Smith and his men.

"I don't think so (bragging rights), the men's team has been very successful over the past of couple of years doing well in the Tests and winning the ODI World Cup as well. They have played some good cricket here but could not get over the line. Virat Kohli took it away from us. We're certainly not competing with them," concluded the 25-year-old.

Agency.