What to expect from WPL 2024?

Mark your calendars to be shocked: The Women’s Premier League’s second act is about to unfold on February 23, 2024. Five ambitious teams are going to battle it out, in what’s being billed as an ‘engrossing spectacle’ – the introduction of both seasoned pros and hopeful newcomers is supposed to surprise us this time around.

This edition marks a significant step towards gender parity in the sport. And here’s a thought: sports betting at India24bet might finally catch the interest of your spouses now that the Women’s Premier League is on the scene. 

But let’s be real, it would skyrocket in entertainment value if it were a mixed-gender showdown. Because, you know, nothing spices up a game like a bit of co-ed competition. Let’s find out how the ladies are doing in cricket and what to expect from this season.

The Dawn of WPL

The growth of women’s cricket in India is a captivating story of dedication, determination, and significant achievements, driven by passionate people and organizations dedicated to advancing the sport for women.

Here are some milestones that have shaped the growth of women’s cricket in India:

• The early 1970s: Cricket among women started gaining attention.
• 1973: Mahendra Kumar Sharma establishes the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI) with Begum Hamida Habibullah as president. The same year, India joined the International Women’s Cricket Council (IWCC).
• 1973 and 1974: The first Women’s inter-state Nationals were held in Pune, then Varanasi, expanding from three to eight teams.
• The mid-1970s: More tournaments popped up. The Rani Jhansi Trophy made its debut.
• 1975: India hosts its first-ever bilateral women’s cricket series against the Australia U-25 team.
• 1976: The Indian women’s team plays its first international match against West Indies.
• 1978: Women in Blue debut in ODI cricket during the World Cup.

Players like Shanta Rangaswamy, Diana Edulji, and others have been pivotal, with India achieving its first ODI series win in 1995. Fast forward a few decades, and not only are women’s matches a big deal, but crowds have also evolved from a family picnic vibe to actual stadium-filling events. Who would’ve thought?

Talent Melting Pot

In the Women’s Premier League 2024, a few standout players have been pivotal in their teams’ strategies and performances, bringing international experience and domestic prowess to the fore.

• Meg Lanning. She leads Delhi Capitals and bats well in women’s cricket. Lanning departed from international cricket but left a legacy of the quickest ODI century by an Australian woman and many world championship medals. She won the Orange Cap in 2023 for scoring the most runs in the WPL.
• Hayley Matthews. Another star player is Mumbai Indians’ who won the Purple Cap in 2023 WPL. Matthews, who led wicket-takers and batted well, showed her all-round skills. Her aggressive top-order batting and powerful off-spin bowling make her vital to the reigning champs.
• Beth Mooney of Gujarat Giants has overcome an injury that sidelined her last edition. Her leadership and top-order hitting are crucial for the Giants in the 2024 season as a top-ranked T20I hitter.
• Ellyse Perry, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore, is yet another rising talent from Australia. Her versatility and stellar play from last season make her an asset to the squad, complementing the other foreign players.
• Sophie Ecclestone, playing for UP Warriorz, stands out as the top-ranked bowler in both T20I and ODI formats by the ICC. Her wicket-taking ability and tight bowling spells will be key for the Warriorz, as they aim to improve upon their performance from the last season​​.

So, get your popcorn ready (or maybe a whole meal because these games can run long) and crypto-wallets to watch and bet at India24bet these “average” players do “totally expected” things on the cricket field in WPL 2024. It’s going to be just another regular season, nothing to see here​.

Twists and Turns of WPL 2024

The WPL 2023 final not only showcased top-tier women’s cricket but also attracted cricketing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma, alongside young talents Ishan Kishan and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, highlighting the cross-generational support and enthusiasm for the burgeoning league​​​​.

But what about WPL 2024? The Women’s Premier League 2024 season has showcased exceptional talent and competitive cricket, with teams vying for the top spots in the playoffs. 

The Gujarat Giants achieved their first win of the season against Royal Challengers Bangalore, with standout performances from Beth Mooney (85* off 51) and Laura Wolvaardt (76 off 45), who put together a 140-run opening partnership. This victory was crucial for the Gujarat Giants as they aimed to improve their standings in the league​​.

As the league matches conclude, the final playoff spots will be determined, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the WPL 2024 season.

Conclusion

A watershed moment on the road to gender parity in athletics, the Women’s Premier League 2024 is more than just a cricket competition. Teams are getting ready for another thrilling season of the Indian Premier League, but the real issue isn’t whether a Women’s IPL will be created soon, but rather how it will change the course of women’s cricket.