The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is back for its third season, kicking off on February 14, 2025, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Gujarat Giants at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. This year’s tournament will feature five teams competing across four venues, marking a significant expansion of the league's geographical footprint.
With the first edition held just two years ago, the WPL has matured rapidly, encouraging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to introduce new locations to reach broader audiences. Previously limited to metropolitan hubs like Mumbai and Bengaluru, this year's competition extends to Lucknow and Vadodara, introducing fans to home-and-away match formats similar to those seen in other professional leagues.
“The response to the WPL has been phenomenal over the last two seasons, and the league's expansion to new regions is truly heartening,” Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, said. This initiative aims to build dedicated local fan bases for teams like UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants, who previously missed out on the advantages of home-ground support.
The expanded league format includes matches to be played from February 14 to March 15, comprising 22 games overall. The top three teams will enter the playoffs, with the finalists battling it out on March 15 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Teams will have the chance to host and compete for local support, significantly enhancing community involvement and engagement.
Led by Smriti Mandhana, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to defend their title without key international players such as Alyssa Healy and Sophie Molineux, who are sidelined due to injuries. Mandhana acknowledges the challenge but remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. “Most of our players who were successful last year are unavailable this season due to injuries. We respect their decisions to prioritise well-being,” she stated.
Delhi Capitals, who have been consistent performers but yet to secure the title, will be led by Meg Lanning. She expressed confidence about her team’s capabilities this season. “We have improved our squad with the players we brought in and feel like we are ready to challenge again,” said Lanning.
Another team to watch, the Mumbai Indians, previously won the inaugural WPL title. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur is determined to have her squad perform beyond its previous season, especially after facing elimination early last year. They aim for more consistent contributions across their batting lineup this season.
The changes this season also include new leadership among certain franchises. Deepti Sharma, now at the helm for UP Warriorz, is expected to lead her team bravely after stepping up for the absent Healy. “I don't think I am under pressure; instead, I view it as an opportunity to showcase my leadership skills,” Sharma commented.
Interestingly, the WPL will see rising domestic stars like Shafali Verma undergo significant scrutiny as she aims for redemption after being dropped from the national team. Her performances are anticipated to be pivotal for the Capitals as they strive to achieve their first title. Verma joins other notable players such as Asha Sobhana and Saika Ishaque, both of whom have already made waves on the national stage due to their performances during prior seasons.
Inclusivity will take center stage with the tournament's expansion to Vadodara and Lucknow. Arun Dhumal, chairman of the IPL Governing Council, remarked on the significance of the chosen venues based on their historical support for women’s cricket. “We have decided to open up new territories for the franchises to engage with their home audiences,” he explained, highlighting the aims of enhancing fan engagement and nurturing talent.
The league has garnered attention not just for its scope but also for its commitment to developing the next generation of women cricketers. Several players received national call-ups after notable performances within the WPL, such as Shreyanka Patil and Saika Ishaque.
Each match during this season has been scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, with broadcasts available on various platforms, including the Sports18 Network and live streaming on JioCinema. This access is expected to entice both local and international audiences, reflecting the game's growing popularity.
The potential of this league to impact women's cricket, especially within India, is incredible. With serious investments, media attention, and grassroots initiatives, the WPL may very well continue to change the face of the sport and empower future generations.
Overall, as the WPL 2025 begins, the excitement permeates the air, hinting at thrilling cricket and possibly groundbreaking developments as teams vie not only for the trophy but also for the hearts of cricket fans across the nation.