No Immediate Plans to Expand WPL Teams, Confirms IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal

The WPL committee chairman Arun Dhumal, who is also IPL chairman stated that there are no plans to increase the current five teams of the Women's Premier League despite the fact that the league has "developed fantastically" over the last three years. The WPL committee is headed by BCCI president Roger Binny. The Board had planned to increase the number of teams after three seasons but now wants to consolidate.

 "To further strengthen this tournament for the time being, we want to consolidate before we take a call on further addition of any team. There are no immediate plans (to add teams)," Dhumal told PTI.

Nevertheless, Dhumal is pleased with how the tournament has progressed.

"So, within three editions, WPL has grown phenomenally in terms of traction, for in-stadium attendance. All the broadcast numbers are very, very encouraging. And it has given new impetus to women's cricket worldwide. So, we are hoping this continues to grow. And this augurs very well for not only the tournament but women's cricket in general," he added.

The League’s Core Mission: Talent Identification

Unlike the Indian Premier League, the WPL has yet to adopt a home-and-away format. The most recent edition, which wrapped up on March 15, was organized by the BCCI in collaboration with Mumbai and Bengaluru, along with smaller cities like Baroda and Lucknow. In the final, the Mumbai Indians triumphed over the Delhi Capitals, securing their second title in three years.

The sale of five franchises representing Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat franchises fetched the BCCI ₹4,670 crore. Before even the first ball was bowled, the WPL became the second-largest women's league globally due to its media rights fetching ₹951 crore. There was a good turnout for the majority of games in this season. Still, the fundamental purpose of the league continues to be identifying new talent and promoting women's cricket in the country. There remains ample scope for improvement in that area for promising players.