More Teams, More Opportunities? BCCI Eyes Expansion of Women’s Premier League

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering expanding the Women’s Premier League (WPL), with secretary Devajit Saikia indicating that the board will explore ways to increase the number of teams from next year.

The WPL, which began in 2023 with five franchises, has emerged as a major platform for women’s franchise cricket. Saikia said the BCCI would hold brainstorming sessions to discuss expansion and identify areas where the tournament could improve.

“From next year, definitely we will have to do some brainstorming sessions to increase the number of teams as well as in other areas where we can improve,” Saikia said on the sidelines of the WPL auction in Kochi on Wednesday.

He added that the league’s growth involved more than just the players, with coaches, selectors and other stakeholders also playing important roles in its development.

Saikia described the WPL as one of the biggest franchise cricket leagues after the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying it had made significant progress in just four years and contributed to the rise of women’s cricket in India.

The proposed expansion could provide more opportunities for players to compete at the highest level, while potentially creating additional roles for coaches, support staff and other professionals involved in the game. However, the BCCI has not yet announced a confirmed number of new teams or a final expansion plan.

Meanwhile, Australia captain Sophie Molineux emerged as the most expensive player at the auction, with UP Warriorz paying ₹1.10 crore to secure her services.

The auction and the BCCI’s comments on expansion have brought the league’s future growth into focus, as Indian women’s cricket continues to benefit from the increased opportunities offered by franchise tournaments.