The Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be expanding for the first time since its inception in 2023. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had launched the cricket league with five teams two years ago.
Since the Indian Premier League (IPL) already had ten teams in the competition, some felt that just five teams wasn’t justified for the WPL. But considering women’s cricket is behind the curve compared to men’s cricket, the BCCI thought five was the right number.
WPL expansion on the way
However, in the last couple of years, the WPL has turned out to be a massive success. That’s why the BCCI has decided to increase the number of teams. Delhi Capitals (DC) co-owner Parth Jindal confirmed the development during the WPL 2026 mega auction.
Currently, the WPL has been restricted to a couple of venues. For the 2026 season, Navi Mumbai and Vadodara have been shortlisted. Jindal says once another team’s added to the mix, not only will we see home and away ties, like in the IPL, but more matches will be played as well. As of now, just 22 matches are played over a month.
“I am sure BCCI will be adding one more team in the WPL. The home and away format is ideal. BCCI will look into it once they get more teams in. That’s why they have kept this WPL cycle so short,” Jindal told reporters in Delhi.
Three teams in the WPL already have IPL roots. If another team gets added, we might see the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals, among others, also join the bandwagon.
WPL teams
| Team | City | Home Ground | Debut | Owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals | New Delhi | Arun Jaitley Stadium | 2023 | JSW & GMR Groups |
| Gujarat Giants | Vadodara | BCA Stadium | 2023 | Adani Group |
| Mumbai Indians | Mumbai | Wankhede Stadium | 2023 | Reliance Industries |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
Bengaluru | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 2023 | United Spirits (Diageo) |
| UP Warriorz | Lucknow | Ekana Cricket Stadium | 2023 | Capri Global |
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