The Women’s Premier League for the 2025 season is set to commence on February 14, slightly delayed from its previously scheduled date. The opening match will feature the Gujarat Giants hosting the defending champions, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at the newly constructed BCA Stadium in Vadodara. This tournament promises to deliver exhilarating cricket, with Lucknow being introduced as a new venue, alongside established locations in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Following the initial six matches taking place in Vadodara, the tournament will progress to Bengaluru, where it will host the next series of eight matches. The action will then shift to Lucknow for a total of four matches before concluding in Mumbai. The final stage in Mumbai will feature four games, including the Eliminator on March 13 and the highly anticipated final scheduled for March 15, all taking place at the historic Cricket Club of India (CCI) stadium.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will engage in four matches on their home turf, the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium, which, last season, reverberated with enthusiastic fan support. The UP Warriorz will participate in three matches at their home ground in Lucknow. Notably, the Delhi Capitals are the only team without home fixtures in this five-team tournament, illustrating the unique challenges and dynamics this season will present.
In a notable development, Charlie Dean has been brought on board to replace the injured Sophie Molineux at RCB. This adjustment highlights the depth and ongoing strategy changes within team rosters as they prepare for the tournament. The WPL 2025 auction, held in December of the previous year, was particularly momentous, especially for uncapped Indian players. Simran Shaikh, an all-rounder from Mumbai, attracted significant attention, achieving the highest bid at INR 1.9 crore, approximately USD 223,000. This figure underscores the growing value and recognition of women's cricket in India.
As with the previous season, all matches during the WPL will be organized as single-header encounters, providing fans with a focused viewing experience. The establishment of a dedicated window for the WPL in the new women’s Futures Program Tournament (FTP) reflects the league's increasing prominence and financial viability as the most lucrative women's franchise league currently operating.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a remarkable showing in the last season, clinching their inaugural WPL title in 2024 after triumphing over the Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in a decisive match held in Delhi. This victory not only marked a significant milestone for the franchise but also set the stage for heightened competition in the upcoming season.
Overall, the 2025 Women’s Premier League is shaping up to be a highly anticipated event, showcasing emerging talent and seasoned players alike as they vie for supremacy in women’s cricket. Fans can expect an exciting season with varied venues, intense match-ups, and the promise of exhilarating performances that will continue to elevate the sport and inspire future generations of cricketers in India.