The third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is gearing up to make waves, with Vadodara and Lucknow emerging as the frontrunners to host the 23-match tournament. Reportedly scheduled to begin on February 6 and conclude in the first week of March, the league will once again be split into two phases, maintaining the format from the previous season.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially announce the dates and venues, informal discussions have already taken place with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA). A formal confirmation is anticipated in the coming days, setting the stage for another exciting season of women’s cricket.
Vadodara’s newly constructed Kotambi Stadium is a prime candidate for hosting the matches. This state-of-the-art facility, which was inaugurated last month, has already hosted three Women’s ODIs against the West Indies, several senior Women’s T20 tournament matches, and even a few Ranji Trophy games. With the knockout rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy scheduled at the venue starting January 9, the BCA is keen to stage the semifinals and final under lights as a litmus test for the stadium’s preparedness.
The BCA is also lobbying to host the second phase of the WPL, allowing them additional time to finalize the finishing touches on the facility. If Vadodara and Lucknow are selected as venues, it will mark a significant milestone as Gujarat Giants and UP Warriors stand to gain home advantage for the first time in WPL history.
The inaugural season of the WPL in 2023 was a groundbreaking event. Featuring five teams, the tournament ran from March 4 to March 26, entirely staged at the DY Patil Stadium and Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians clinched the championship by defeating Meg Lanning’s Delhi Capitals in the final. Lanning emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 345 runs, while Hayley Matthews claimed the Purple Cap for her 16 wickets across 10 matches.
The second season expanded its horizons, with matches held in Bengaluru and Delhi. In an unforgettable final at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), led by Smriti Mandhana, secured their maiden title across both men’s and women’s tournaments by defeating the Delhi Capitals. Ellyse Perry’s 347 runs earned her the Orange Cap, while Shreyanka Patil’s 13 wickets secured her the Purple Cap.
With the 2025 season fast approaching, the stakes have never been higher. Defending champions RCB will enter the tournament with immense pressure and expectations, especially with inaugural champions Mumbai Indians and perennial contenders Delhi Capitals vying for supremacy. As teams refine their strategies, fans can anticipate another nail-biting season of WPL action.
(Inputs sourced from Cricbuzz)
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