Mumbai Indians secured their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in three years, defeating Delhi Capitals by eight runs in the 2025 final at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium. This thrilling finale capped off a season of high intensity matches, rising viewership, and increasing fan engagement, further cementing WPL as the premier platform for women’s cricket in India.
Despite its rapid success, the WPL remains a five-team tournament—a structure that limits opportunities for many talented domestic players who have proved their mettle in various competitions. Initially, the BCCI had plans to expand after three seasons, but the latest update from IPL chairman Arun Dhumal suggests that the league will continue with five teams for now.
“To further strengthen this tournament for the time being, we want to consolidate before we take a call on further addition of any team. There are no immediate plans (to add teams),” Dhumal told.
However, given the surging interest in women’s cricket and the depth of talent emerging from India’s domestic circuit, the time for expansion has already arrived.
Since its inception in 2023, the WPL has grown exponentially. The league’s third season saw record-breaking viewership figures, with the opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Giants attracting 30 million TV viewers—the most for any league-stage game in WPL history. This marked a 150% rise in TV viewership and a 70% increase in digital viewership on Jio Hotstar compared to the previous season. The surge was also reflected in sponsorships, with the number of brands investing in the league rising from 50 in 2023 to 70 in 2025.
The WPL has already become the second-largest women’s league in the world, with its media rights selling for ₹951 crore. The BCCI also earned ₹4,670 crore from franchise sales, proving that the financial ecosystem for women’s cricket is stronger than ever. But to maintain this momentum and avoid stagnation, expansion is crucial. More teams mean more matches, greater opportunities for players, and deeper fan engagement—elements that will drive the WPL toward becoming a global powerhouse alongside the IPL.
“So, within three editions, WPL has grown phenomenally in terms of traction, for in-stadium attendance. All the broadcast numbers are very, very encouraging. And it has given new impetus to women’s cricket worldwide. So, we are hoping this continues to grow. And this augurs very well for not only the tournament, but women’s cricket in general,” Dhumal added.
The 2025 season saw the Gujarat Giants finally emerge as a competitive force after two disappointing seasons at the bottom of the table. A new coaching setup, a change in leadership, and a focused investment in Indian domestic talent turned the franchise around. Their decision to back Kashvee Gautam—an uncapped Indian pace-bowling all-rounder who overcame injury setbacks—proved to be a masterstroke. Gautam’s performances highlighted how strategic player development can transform a struggling team into a serious contender.
This shift underscores the importance of providing more domestic players with exposure at the WPL level. If Gujarat could undergo such a revival by investing in local talent, imagine the impact a sixth team could have on the overall league. It would open up more roster spots for emerging Indian stars who are currently overlooked due to limited slots.
Despite India’s dominance in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, several standout performers were left unsold in the WPL auction due to the lack of team spots. Gongadi Trisha, who was the Player of the Final and the Player of the Tournament in the U19 World Cup, failed to find a franchise despite scoring 309 runs and taking seven wickets in the tournament. Similarly, Vaishnavi Sharma, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps in just six matches, went unpicked. Aayushi Shukla, another key performer with 14 wickets in seven games, also missed out.
These omissions highlight a major flaw in the current structure—domestic players who consistently perform at a high level are unable to showcase their talent in the WPL simply because there aren’t enough teams. More franchises would not only provide a platform for these players but also strengthen the overall depth of Indian women’s cricket.
Several other promising domestic players, including Parshavi Chopra, Shashi, Tripti Singh, Fatima Jaffer, Tejal Hasabnis, and Rubia Syed, have delivered consistently in domestic competitions but failed to secure WPL contracts. Their absence from the league means Indian cricket is losing out on potential future stars.
The current five-team format has served its purpose in establishing the WPL, but its limitations are becoming increasingly evident. Adding a sixth team would create more playing opportunities, intensify competition, and make the league more inclusive for domestic cricketers. It would also bring in new fans and increase revenue streams for the BCCI, broadcasters, and franchises.
Moreover, the IPL’s long-term success was built on expansion. From an eight-team tournament in 2008, it grew to ten teams, leading to more matches, increased viewership, and a broader talent pool. The WPL, still in its early stages, should follow a similar trajectory to sustain its momentum.
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