Viacom18 on Monday has been awarded the media rights for Women's IPL for five editions i.e., 2023-2027 which is scheduled to start in March.

The Voot-owned Vicom18 won the auction at Rs 951 Cr.

Earlier, it had won the digital media rights for Men's IPL for a record- breaking INR 20,500 Cr.

The news which comes as a massive development for Women's cricket was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah through Twitter.

He starts by congratulating Viacom18 and informs that Viacom18 has committed a whopping amount of Rs 951 Cr and INR 7.05 Cr for each match for the next 5 years.

"Congratulations @viacom18 for winning the Women’s @IPL media rights. Thank you for your faith in @BCCI and @BCCIWomen. Viacom has committed INR 951 crores which means per match value of INR 7.09 crores for next 5 years (2023-27). This is massive for Women’s Cricket, " tweeted Shah.

He further writes that its a big and decisive step for empowerment of Women's Cricket in IndiaIndia and which will ensure participation of women from all ages.

"After pay equity, today's bidding for media rights for Women's IPL marks another historic mandate. It's a big and decisive step for empowerment of women's cricket in India, which will ensure participation of women from all ages. A new dawn indeed! #WIPL @ICC @BCCIWomen," he added.

The Women'sWomen's T20 challenge was initially held as an exhibition tournament until last year when BCCI announced the introduction of Women's Indian Premier League,  a five team tournament with the inaugural edition set to be played in March 2023.

Although BCCI has not announced the dates of the 22 matches, it is believed that the matches will likely take place between March 5 and March 23.

As per reports, Viacom18 and Disney Star were the only two parties who participated in the auction for the media rights for women’s IPL.