The Women's Premier League (WPL) is gearing up for its third edition, kicking off on February 14, 2025, with the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on the Gujarat Giants (GG) in Vadodara. The anticipation builds as teams finalize their preparations, guided by dedicated captains who are setting ambitious goals for the season.
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her team’s commitment to sticking to the basics. "We all want to play good cricket and put on a great show for women’s cricket. This season, we'll focus on doing the simplest things correctly and not think too far ahead," she stated during her appearance on Disney Hotstar's Superstars: War of Words. Her insights reflect the highly competitive atmosphere of the league, where each franchise is striving for success.
Last year's runners-up, Delhi Capitals, are also aiming for glory. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. "It's important to focus on what's in our control: prepare well and execute well. I can't control the results, so I'll leave it to greater hands. But what I can assure you is we'll continue playing great cricket," she noted, underscoring the dedication required to succeed at this level.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians, who secured the inaugural title, are led by Harmanpreet Kaur. She remarked, "A lot happens off the field, but when you're out there, it’s all about helping the team fight till the end and win the trophy." Harmanpreet’s focus on maintaining the mentality from their championship-winning season could be pivotal as they aim to reclaim their glory.
Newcomers to the league, such as UP Warriorz, are setting their eyes on postseason play. Deepti Sharma emphasized the significance of having home crowd support, stating, "It'll give us a lot of support. We've never reached the Finals, so we'll try to cross beyond last year’s performance." Their eagerness to make their first finals appearance highlights the depth of talent throughout the league.
Notably, this iteration of the WPL is unique as it expands to four cities—Vadodara, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Mumbai—allowing for greater exposure and competition. Following six initial matches in Vadodara, the league will continue with games across the remaining three venues, with each team set to face their opponents twice. The scheduling has eliminated double-headers this year, maintaining the consistency of game times set for 7:30 PM local time.
Looking back, the first two seasons of the WPL showcased impressive talent, with RCB claiming victory last season after defeating the Delhi Capitals. The inaugural WPL saw Mumbai Indians crowned the first champions, demonstrating the quick rise of the league. This year's competition is anticipated to be even more fierce with the addition of rising stars.
Special attention is being paid to young players making their WPL debuts. Niki Prasad, who led the Indian team to win the Under-19 Women’s World Cup, will play for Delhi Capitals this season. "It’s important to express ourselves and have fun during the matches,” she stated, emphasizing the opportunity for younger players to learn and grow within the league’s dynamic environment.
Other notable debutants include Shabnam Shakil and G. Kamalini, both eager to make their impact. Kamalini, who was picked by Mumbai Indians for ₹1.6 crore, expressed her intent to build on her successes from last season, stating, "Being part of WPL team is a great opportunity for young players to learn from experienced players," showcasing the potential for growth within women’s cricket.
Changes to team rosters have also caught attention. RCB has faced setbacks with injuries to key players like Sophie Molineux and Kate Cross, leading to new additions to their squad. UP Warriorz will truck along without their captain Alyssa Healy due to injury, showcasing just how unpredictable and challenging the season could be for these teams.
With the season’s matches being broadcasted on various platforms worldwide, including Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar for Indian audiences, the excitement surrounding the WPL is palpable. The league aims to push women’s cricket to the forefront, and as captains and players focus on their strategies this season, fans are eager to witness the action unravel on the pitch.
The WPL 2025 season is not merely about competition; it exemplifies the growth of women's cricket on the global stage. Fans and players alike look forward to the matches kick-starting February 14, with hopes high for thrilling performances from both seasoned professionals and rising stars.