The next big step in women's cricket...

Australian captain Meg Lanning believes starting an Indian Premier League will be the next 'big step' in women's cricket.

Lanning was part of the team that played a one-off exhibition match between Supernovas and Trailblazers during the IPL last year at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The board is also contemplating two formats for the women's games: best of three matches between two teams or a round robin stage involving three teams, followed by the final.

"It was a lot of fun. We only, obviously, played the one game last time. I am not too sure what the set up would be this time if there was one but, from the response we got last time, everyone is keen to do it," Lanning was quoted as saying in Sydney Morning Herald.

"I would certainly love to be involved in something like that. The next big step for women's cricket is if an IPL could get up - it's certainly an exciting prospect."

Lanning is currently busy playing in the three-match one-day series against New Zealand, which will conclude on Sunday.

India's ODI skipper Mithali Raj too had recently backed the idea of a women's version of Indian Premier League.