India’s Women’s World Cup triumph has reignited calls for expanding the Women’s Premier League, but eager fans will need patience. Former India cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy revealed on social media that the WPL’s sixth franchise won’t arrive until 2028—a strategic timeline that aligns with the men’s IPL mega auction cycle and reshapes the league’s immediate future.
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The 2028 Timeline Explained
In an Instagram video posted Saturday, the 2017 Women’s World Cup finalist dropped a bombshell that disappointed those hoping for immediate expansion. “Sixth team in WPL, you heard it right,” Krishnamurthy confirmed. “There is going to be an addition in WPL, but not this year, it is going to happen in 2028.”
This revelation carries significant implications for the upcoming November 27 mega auction. Instead of the typical three-year retention cycle, franchises will operate on a compressed two-year timeline before the next major auction coincides with the sixth team’s entry in 2028.
WPL Expansion Timeline & Impact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Sixth Team Entry | 2028 season |
| Current Mega Auction | November 27, 2025 |
| Retention Cycle | Two years (2026-2027) |
| Next Mega Auction | 2028 (aligned with IPL) |
| Current Teams | 5 franchises |
| Players Benefiting | Increased opportunities from 2028 |
Why the Wait Makes Sense
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India hasn’t officially confirmed these details, Krishnamurthy’s insights suggest careful strategic planning. The 2028 entry synchronizes women’s and men’s cricket mega auctions, creating operational efficiency and ensuring both leagues receive equal promotional focus.
The 33-year-old emphasized the expansion’s importance: “The addition of one team gives an opportunity to a lot of other players. I felt that there has been a lot of good players who have missed out on making it to the WPL, only because of five teams.” Her observation reflects the frustration many talented cricketers face with limited roster spots across just five franchises.
What This Means for WPL 2026 Auction
The shortened two-year cycle fundamentally changes franchise strategy for the November 27 auction. Teams must balance immediate competitiveness with the knowledge that another mega auction looms in 2028. This could impact bidding wars, retention decisions, and how franchises value young prospects versus established stars.
Recent retention announcements already sparked controversy. World Cup final Player of the Match Deepti Sharma’s exclusion from UP Warriorz shocked fans, while Delhi Capitals chose not to retain retired legend Meg Lanning. Stars like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Richa Ghosh secured their spots, but the auction pool remains loaded with elite talent.
The Business Case for Expansion
India’s Women’s World Cup victory generated record-breaking viewership—500 million viewers in India alone, with the final matching men’s T20 World Cup numbers. This commercial success validates women’s cricket’s market potential and justifies franchise expansion.
A sixth team means approximately 18-20 additional player contracts, expanded broadcasting windows, another host city benefiting economically, and increased competition depth that elevates overall league quality. Cities like Ahmedabad, Pune, Lucknow, and Cuttack have expressed interest in women’s cricket franchises, creating healthy competition for the new slot.
Player Opportunities in 2028
For cricketers currently on the margins, 2028 represents hope. Talented players missing out due to limited spots—domestic performers, international stars from associate nations, and emerging youngsters—will finally have expanded pathways. This aligns with the ICC’s broader push to grow women’s cricket globally, as evidenced by their recent decision to expand the Women’s World Cup to ten teams from 2029.
The WPL has already transformed Indian women’s cricket economically and competitively. A sixth franchise accelerates this momentum, though the three-year wait tests the patience of players and fans riding high on World Cup euphoria.
As the November 27 mega auction approaches, franchises must navigate this unique two-year cycle while the cricketing community marks calendars for 2028—when the WPL takes its next evolutionary leap toward becoming women’s cricket’s premier global league.
