WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE, 2025
Mumbai Indians have won the competition twice while RCB have won it once © WPL
Season 4 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will commence earlier than the previous seasons and, in all likelihood, will start in the first week of January. With the WPL getting a dedicated window in the women’s Future Tours Programme – similar to other women’s competitions like the Women’s Big Bash League and The Hundred for Women – the 2026 edition of the WPL is likely to begin on January 6 or 8.
The date of the final is not clear, but with only 22 games in the league, the BCCI is unlikely to need more than 26-27 days, which means the tournament should end by early February. Season 1 ran from March 4 to March 26, Season 2 from February 23 to March 17, and Season 3 from February 14 to March 15.
The venues are still undecided, and it remains to be seen whether the BCCI will spread the league across more centres than last year. After staging the entire first season in Mumbai, the second season was played in Bengaluru and Delhi. Last season, the matches were held in Baroda, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Mumbai.
The most eagerly awaited decision from the BCCI is about the auction – and it is not only about the date, venue and salary cap, but also the size. With three seasons completed, there may be a decision to hold a mega-auction, similar to the IPL, but that important call is still awaited from the BCCI and WPL authorities. At this stage, opinion is divided on whether or not there should be a mega-auction with one section wanting changes and another seeking continuity.
The five franchises – Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru – are the competing sides. Mumbai Indians are the two-time winners and defending champions, while RCB won the second season.
© Cricbuzz
