NEW DELHI: The ICC chairman Greg Barclay was all in praise of the inaugural Women's Premier League as he lauded the BCCI's tremendous efforts in making the tournament a grand success.
The 5-team tournament which began on March 4 will have its final on Sunday and Barclay praised secretary Jay Shah and his team for leading the way in terms of getting the women's game to where it needs to be.
Barclay said the league will help uplift the women's game, thanks to the professionalism and money involved.
"... As I say, I think it will be a great uplift for the women's game and I am looking forward to see how this tournament plays out," Barcley told the BCCI.
"Now, there is no reason for the two parts of the game, men and women, to be viewed as different. This is people playing cricket and they should be treated equally.
"Secondly, the professionalism and the remuneration that is afforded the players I think that's something that's going to be really important, again, for the women's game," he added.
The Women's Premier League, which was a long time coming, finally began on March 4 this year amid much fanfare.
"I think if you recognise the powerhouse that India is in terms of cricket, it's appropriate that they have launched the Women's Premier League. I know that Jay Shah (BCCI president) and his board and his team are really committed to making this one one of the biggest and best tournaments that it can possibly be.
"I am sure that they will be successful in that respect. I am really pleased and very appreciate that this has happened," Barclay said.
"I take my hat off to Jay and his team at the BCCI for the way they have approached this. That is exactly what I would have expected out of an Indian run competition, it's absolutely amazing.
"Jay and his team are doing a wonderful job in leading the way in terms of getting the women's game to where it needs to be," he signed off.
Barclay is serving his second term as the chair of the game's apex body.
(With inputs from PTI)
