In a cricket-crazy nation where every match draws millions of eyeballs, the Women Premier League (WPL) has carved out its own special place in the hearts of fans. The tournament, which began as an ambitious project to elevate women’s cricket in India, has blossomed into something far greater than many expected. But those hoping to see the league expand beyond its current five-team structure might need to exercise some patience.
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The Current State of the Women Premier League
The WPL has seen tremendous growth in viewership since its inception, with approximately 150 million viewers tuning in for the 2025 season. The tournament’s third edition expanded its footprint to four cities – Vadodara, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Mumbai – following a caravan model rather than the home-and-away format used in the men’s IPL.
This strategic approach has paid dividends, with packed stadiums and soaring broadcast numbers. The WPL Final and tournament opener garnered peak viewership, demonstrating the growing appetite for women’s cricket in India and beyond.
“Within three editions, WPL has grown phenomenally in terms of traction, for in-stadium attendance,” said Arun Dhumal, the IPL chairman. “All the broadcast numbers are very, very encouraging. And it has given new impetus to women’s cricket worldwide.”
What started as a concept similar to Women IPL has now evolved into a full-fledged professional league with global recognition. The tournament’s 22 matches showcase the best talent in women’s cricket, creating a platform that continues to elevate the sport.
BCCI’s Strategic Decision on WPL Teams
Despite the remarkable success, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to hold off on adding new WPL teams for now. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to consolidate the league’s foundation before expanding further.
“To further strengthen this tournament for the time being, we want to consolidate before we take a call on further addition of any team,” Dhumal explained. “There are no immediate plans to add teams.”
The current WPL teams – Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants – have been performing exceptionally well, contributing to the tournament’s growing popularity. Rather than adding new WPL teams immediately, the BCCI is focusing on strengthening the existing structure.
This measured approach reflects the BCCI’s commitment to sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion. By ensuring the current format is robust and successful, they aim to create a stronger foundation for future growth.
The Balancing Act: Growth vs. Quality in WPL Cricket
The decision to maintain the five-team format highlights an important consideration in the development of women’s cricket in India – the balance between expansion and quality.
WPL cricket has seen the emergence of talented players like Shreyanka Patil, Titas Sadhu, and Minnu Mani. However, the BCCI recognizes that for the league to thrive long-term, the talent pool needs to deepen further.
“Before expanding the WPL to other cities including Chennai, the BCCI will keep a tab on the growth of the talent pool women’s cricket in India,” sources close to the development revealed.
The standard of WPL cricket continues to improve with each season, attracting more fans to the sport. Yet challenges remain, particularly in areas such as fitness and fielding standards, which the BCCI is keen to address before expanding the league.
Fans who have followed Women IPL since its early days have witnessed remarkable growth in both the quality of cricket and viewership. This evolution has been remarkable, but the BCCI’s cautious approach suggests they’re playing the long game.
From Women IPL to Women Premier League: The Evolution Story
The journey from the initial concept of a Women IPL to the fully-realized Women Premier League we see today has been nothing short of inspiring. The tournament has not only provided a platform for Indian talent but has also attracted top international players, raising the overall standard of play.
According to BCCI officials, the Women Premier League will continue with its five-team format for the foreseeable future. This decision allows the league to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that each match remains competitive and engaging for fans.
The success of the Women Premier League has given new impetus to women’s cricket worldwide. Other cricket boards are taking notice, with similar tournaments being planned or expanded in countries like Australia, England, and New Zealand.
The Impact on Domestic Cricket Structure
The WPL has not only created a professional platform at the highest level but has also influenced changes in India’s domestic cricket structure. The BCCI has been investing in state-level tournaments and grassroots programs to identify and nurture young talent.
The Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and the Under-19 Women’s T20 Trophy have become important pathways for players looking to make it to the WPL. These tournaments have seen increased participation and improved standards since the WPL’s inception.
“The WPL has created aspirations for young girls across the country,” noted a senior BCCI official. “We’re seeing more parents enrolling their daughters in cricket academies, and state associations are investing in better facilities for women’s cricket.”
This ripple effect is precisely what the BCCI hoped for when launching the WPL. By creating a visible, aspirational platform at the top level, they’ve sparked interest and investment throughout the cricket ecosystem.
The Commercial Success Story
Beyond the sporting aspects, the WPL has proven to be a commercial success as well. The inaugural edition saw the five franchises sold for a combined value of approximately ₹4,670 crore (US$580 million), with the media rights for the first five seasons acquired by Viacom18 for ₹951 crore (US$119 million).
Sponsorship interest has grown with each season, with major brands recognizing the unique opportunity to connect with a growing female sports audience. The tournament’s distinct positioning in the sports calendar has helped it carve out its own commercial identity, separate from but complementary to the men’s IPL.
The Future Outlook: What’s Next for the WPL?
While BCCI WPL expansion remains a possibility for the future, the immediate focus is on strengthening the current format. This doesn’t mean the dream of seeing more teams is dead – rather, it’s a strategic pause to ensure sustainable growth.
“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, highlighting the BCCI’s optimism about the league’s future.
The Women Premier League has quickly established itself as a significant tournament in the world of cricket. Its impact extends beyond the boundaries of the sport, inspiring a new generation of young girls to take up cricket and dream of playing on the big stage.
For now, cricket fans can continue to enjoy the high-quality action that the five existing teams provide, while the BCCI works behind the scenes to nurture talent and strengthen the foundations of women’s cricket in India.
The BCCI’s decision to maintain the current structure of the WPL comes after careful consideration of various factors. It’s a testament to their commitment to building something that lasts, rather than rushing to expand before the ecosystem is ready.
As the WPL continues to evolve and mature, one thing is certain – women’s cricket in India has found a powerful vehicle for growth, one that promises to take the sport to unprecedented heights in the years to come.
FAQ:-
How many teams are in WPL?
5.
Is WPL a success?
Yes, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is considered a success, with strong fan engagement, rising viewership, and increasing sponsorships, demonstrating its growing popularity and commercial potential.
