The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has cemented its status as a game-changer in women’s cricket, with the recently concluded third edition witnessing unprecedented success. The tournament, which debuted in 2023, has not only replicated the excitement and fervor of its male counterpart, the Indian Premier League (IPL), but has also drawn impressive viewership numbers and packed stadiums. The culmination of the 2025 season saw Mumbai Indians lift the coveted trophy again, defeating Delhi Capitals.
Beyond its on-field triumphs, the WPL has also emerged as a financial powerhouse, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reaping a staggering Rs 4670 crore from the sale of five franchises, representing Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. Furthermore, the league’s media rights were sold for a whopping Rs 951 crore, catapulting the WPL to the position of the world’s second-largest women’s league, even before its inaugural match.
However, despite the WPL’s impressive growth and establishment as a premier women’s cricket tournament in its first three seasons, the tournament’s expansion plans have been put on hold, for now.
Contrary to initial expectations, the WPL will not be increasing its team count from the existing five – Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants – in the immediate future.
Arun Dhumal, IPL chairman and WPL committee member, has confirmed that the BCCI aims to consolidate and strengthen the tournament before considering expansion. “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),” he told PTI.
This decision marks a shift from the initial plan to expand the league after three seasons, with the WPL committee, headed by BCCI president Roger Binny, opting for a more cautious approach to ensure the tournament’s long-term sustainability.
WPL has been redefining the boundaries of women’s cricket, setting new benchmarks with each passing season. The tournament has witnessed its first-ever super-over, record-breaking chases, hat-tricks, and five-wicket hauls, showcasing the incredible talent and competitiveness of the players. These thrilling moments have not only captivated audiences but also underscored the league’s rapid growth.
Arun Dhumal expressed his satisfaction with the league’s progress, stating, “Within three editions, WPL has grown phenomenally in terms of traction and in-stadium attendance. All the broadcast numbers are very, very encouraging. And it has given new impetus to women’s cricket worldwide.” He added, “We are hoping this continues to grow, which augurs well not only for the tournament but for women’s cricket in general.”
While the WPL has made significant strides in its brief history, there is still ample scope for the tournament to elevate its standards. One area for potential growth is the adoption of a home-and-away format, akin to the IPL. Unlike the IPL, the WPL has yet to fully implement this format, which would enable teams to play matches in their respective home cities, fostering a more immersive fan experience.
The WPL’s gradual expansion is evident, with the 2023 season being hosted solely in Mumbai, the 2024 season split between Bengaluru and Delhi, and the 2025 season further expanding to four cities – Mumbai, Bengaluru, Vadodara, and Lucknow. Despite this progress, there remains room for expansion, with opportunities to explore new venues, increase the number of matches, and create a more comprehensive home-and-away schedule, ultimately enriching the tournament’s overall appeal and competitiveness.
Ultimately, the WPL’s enduring impact will be felt beyond the confines of the tournament itself. As a catalyst for growth, it has the potential to leave a lasting legacy on women’s cricket in India, fostering a new era of talent, enthusiasm, and participation.
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