The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering an expansion of the Women’s Premier League, with discussions about adding more teams expected to begin in 2027. The fifth edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place from January 14 to February 7, 2027. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia spoke about the possibility during an interview with the official WPL website on the sidelines of the auction held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The league has featured five franchises since its first season in 2023.
Saikia said the BCCI would first need to study the available options before deciding what steps to take. The board also wants to look at other areas where the competition could improve, including the wider group of people involved in running it. This includes coaches, selectors and other stakeholders who support the league. Explaining the board’s possible plans, Saikia said, “From next year, definitely we will have to do some brainstorming sessions to increase the number of teams as well as in other areas where we can improve.” He added that any review would extend beyond players and teams, taking in the coaches, selectors and other stakeholders connected with the league.
The WPL has made a strong place for itself in women’s cricket since it began in 2023. Over its first four years, the tournament has allowed Indian players to compete alongside leading international cricketers. It has also given emerging talent an opportunity to show their skills and gain experience. Saikia believes the league has played an important part in the growth of the women’s game in India. He said, “WPL is one of the big leagues in franchise cricket after IPL. We have come a long way in four years and ultimately we are now dominating women’s cricket. WPL has contributed to the success of women’s cricket in India.”
An increase in the number of franchises could create more opportunities for domestic players to earn contracts and play with established international stars. The league has helped increase the visibility of women’s cricket in India and become an important part of its calendar. However, the BCCI has not announced how many teams might be added or when an expanded format could begin. Saikia’s comments point to discussions starting next year, not to a confirmed decision.
The expansion discussion came during the WPL auction held on October 28, 2026, when franchises were building their squads for the upcoming season. Australia captain Sophie Molineux became the most expensive player at the auction after UP Warriorz secured her services for Rs 1.10 crore. Her signing was among the major developments of the event as teams strengthened their line-ups. The auction did not bring an announcement about a change to the league’s existing five-team structure.
Since its launch, the WPL has provided Indian players with chances to share the field with international names and given young cricketers a stage to display their abilities. The presence of prominent players from different countries has also brought greater attention to the women’s game in India. Saikia’s remarks suggest that the BCCI wants to review the league as a whole, rather than focus only on the number of participating teams. Any possible expansion would require the board to consider the competition’s structure and the wider support needed to run additional franchises.
For the moment, the WPL remains a five-team competition, and the BCCI has not confirmed any expansion or announced a timeline for adding franchises. Discussions are expected to begin in 2027, with the board looking at possible new teams and other areas for improvement. The 2027 tournament is scheduled for January 14 to February 7, while the wider question of expansion remains under consideration. The board will need to assess the options before deciding how the league should move forward.
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