Women’s franchise cricket is becoming one of the most exciting chapters in the sport’s history. With leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL), The Hundred, and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) making waves globally, these tournaments are not just offering a platform for top talent but are also transforming the landscape of women’s cricket. This article explores the list of franchise women tournaments around the world.
Women’s Premier League (India)
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is India’s flagship T20 tournament for women cricketers, launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2023. In just three seasons, the league has become a game-changer for women’s cricket in the country, offering players a high-stakes, high-visibility platform similar to the IPL. It started with five teams — a number that remains unchanged for now, though talks of expansion are on the horizon.
The Mumbai Indians Women’s team has emerged as the most successful side, clinching the championship twice in the league’s three editions. With packed stadiums, big-name international stars, and growing fan support, the WPL has played a huge role in taking women’s cricket to insurmountable levels in India.
Women’s Big Bash League (Australia)
The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) is Australia’s premier T20 franchise tournament for women cricketers, launched by Cricket Australia in 2015. The inaugural 2015/16 season saw Sydney Thunder crowned as the first champions. Since then, the league has completed ten successful seasons, becoming a major force in global women’s cricket.
The latest 2024/25 edition was won by Melbourne Renegades, who claimed their maiden title. So far, four teams have lifted the trophy twice each, highlighting the league’s competitive balance. The WBBL continues to be a key platform for developing talent and growing the women’s game worldwide.
Women’s Hundred (England)
The Women’s Hundred is England’s fast-paced 100-ball cricket competition, launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2021. Featuring eight city-based teams, the tournament has quickly gained popularity for its fresh format and exciting matchdays.
The Oval Invincibles dominated the early years, winning the first two seasons in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, Southern Brave broke their streak to lift their maiden title, followed by London Spirit claiming their first championship in 2024. The Hundred has added a new dimension to women’s cricket in England, drawing big crowds and showcasing top-tier talent from around the world.
Women’s Caribbean Premier League (West Indies)
Launched back in 2022 in the lap of Cricket West Indies, the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) represents the West Indies’ major women’s T20 franchise tournament. Not only was the WCPL put in place alongside the male tournament — but it also adheres to the same ecosystem of franchises. It comprises three trams, namely, Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders.
The WCPL offers bowling friendly conditions, contrary to batters dominating the game across the globe. The inaugural title was won by Trinbago Knight Riders, following which- Barbados Royals won back-to-back championships.
Women’s Super Smash (New Zealand)
The Women’s Super Smash is the oldest franchise cricket tournament. It is New Zealand’s top domestic T20 cricket competition for women, having been established in the 2007–08 season. The competition includes six teams, each representing different regions across New Zealand, and runs alongside New Zealand’s 50-over domestic competition, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.
The Canterbury Magicians were the inaugural champions of the competition. Important milestones aside, the Women’s Super Smash has grown in profile and competitiveness, delivering exciting moments and building a pipeline of potential future White Ferns. The current league champions are the Wellington Blaze for the 2024–25 season. The Blaze is unquestionably in a class of their own, sitting atop the Women’s Super Smash with 8 titles.
Women’s T20 Blast (England)
In the month of May 2025, Women’s T20 Blast is set to make its debut in the country of England, as conducted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The competition will serve as the successor to the Charlotte Edwards Cup, turning a fresh page in the golden history for women’s domestic T20 cricket in England and Wales.
The competition will be divided into two categories, with eight counties competing in League 1 and the remaining ten counties placed in League 2. This new structure aims to further strengthen the domestic women’s cricket circuit, offering more competitive opportunities and a clearer pathway for emerging players.
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