The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is set to commence today, marking a significant milestone in women’s cricket. With an expanded format, new venues, and a blend of international stars and emerging talents, this season promises to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
In This Article:
Expanded Format and New Venues
This third edition of the WPL introduces a home-and-away format, a departure from the previous seasons that were limited to select venues. Matches will be hosted across four major cities:
- Vadodara: Kotambi Stadium
- Bengaluru: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Lucknow: Ekana Cricket Stadium
- Mumbai: Brabourne Stadium
This expansion aims to bring the excitement of women’s cricket to a broader audience across India.
Participating Teams and Key Players
The WPL 2025 features five franchises, each boasting a mix of seasoned internationals and promising domestic players:
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Captain: Smriti Mandhana
- Key Players:
- Ellyse Perry (Australia)
- Richa Ghosh (India)
- Renuka Thakur (India)
RCB enters the season as the defending champions, having clinched their maiden title in 2024. They aim to replicate their success with a strong squad.
2. Gujarat Giants (GG)
- Captain: Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)
- Key Players:
- Deandra Dottin (West Indies)
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
- Dayalan Hemalatha (India)
The Giants have bolstered their lineup with impactful signings, aiming for a strong performance this season.
3. Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
- Key Players:
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
- Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)
- Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
MI, the inaugural WPL champions, are eager to reclaim their title with a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents.
4. Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Captain: Meg Lanning (Australia)
- Key Players:
- Shafali Verma (India)
- Jemimah Rodrigues (India)
- Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)
The Capitals boast a formidable lineup, combining youthful exuberance with seasoned expertise.
5. UP Warriorz
- Captain: Deepti Sharma
- Key Players:
- Tahlia McGrath (Australia)
- Sophie Ecclestone (England)
- Grace Harris (Australia)
With the absence of regular captain Alyssa Healy due to injury, Deepti Sharma steps up to lead a squad rich in all-round talent.
Season Opener and Schedule
The tournament kicks off with a thrilling encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Giants at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium on February 14, 2025. The WPL 2025 spans over a month, culminating in the final at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium on March 15, 2025. All matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, with no double-headers planned.
Broadcast and Live Streaming
Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action on the Sports18 Network and stream matches via the JioCinema app and website, ensuring widespread accessibility for fans across the globe.
Impact on Domestic Talent
The WPL has been instrumental in elevating domestic players to the national stage. Cricketers like Shreyanka Patil and Saika Ishaque have leveraged stellar performances in the league to earn national call-ups. With some international stars absent this season due to injuries, there’s a significant opportunity for Indian players to shine.
Challenges and Team Dynamics
Teams are navigating various challenges, including injuries to key players:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Spinner Sophie Molineux is sidelined due to a knee injury.
- UP Warriorz: Captain Alyssa Healy is absent due to a finger injury, leading Deepti Sharma to take over leadership duties.
Despite these setbacks, franchises have built well-balanced squads capable of delivering high-intensity matches.
Virat Kohli’s Message to RCB Women
Former RCB men’s team captain Virat Kohli extended his support to the RCB women’s team ahead of their title defense. Kohli, known for his passion and commitment, sent an inspiring message encouraging the players to “believe in themselves and play fearless cricket.”
His message has further strengthened the already high morale within the team as they aim for back-to-back titles.
Why Women’s Premier League Is a Game-Changer
The Women’s Premier League 2025 marks a new era in women’s cricket by:
✔ Expanding the league format to home-and-away matches
✔ Increasing financial investments and sponsorships
✔ Providing a platform for young Indian cricketers
✔ Enhancing global viewership through high-quality broadcasting
The league has already inspired a massive fan following, with RCB Women’s Fan Club emerging as a strong community-driven initiative, similar to the legacy of the men’s team.
The WPL 2025 is set to be one of the most thrilling and competitive editions yet. With top-tier international players, rising domestic stars, and growing global attention, the tournament is redefining women’s cricket in India and beyond.
Fans can anticipate thrilling finishes, remarkable performances, and the ongoing development of the sport as the matches unfold. Stay tuned for what promises to be a historic season!
By – Nikita
