The Rise and Thrill of the Women’s Premier League Hey there, cricket fans! If you’ve ever wondered why women’s cricket is suddenly the talk of the town, look no further than the Women’s Premier League, or WPL as it’s fondly known. This powerhouse T20 tournament in India isn’t just a game—it’s a movement that’s shattering glass ceilings, packing stadiums, and turning talented athletes into superstars. Launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it’s the women’s answer to the IPL, but with its own fierce flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned follower or new to the scene, buckle up as we explore what makes the WPL tick, from its humble beginnings to the nail-biting action unfolding right now in 2026. I’ll break it all down with real stories, stats, and insights to give you the full picture.
India’s WPL aims to be a game-changer for women’s cricket
Kicking Off: The Birth of a Powerhouse League
The Rise and Thrill of the Women’s Premier League: Revolutionizing Cricket for Women Let’s rewind a bit. Women’s cricket in India had been bubbling with potential for years, but it needed a spark. Enter the WPL, which officially burst onto the scene in 2023 after evolving from the smaller Women’s T20 Challenge that ran from 2018 to 2022. That earlier event was basically a teaser—featuring just three or four teams in a handful of matches—but it showed the BCCI there was real hunger for more. In February 2022, then-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly floated the idea of a full league, and by October, it was greenlit for five teams starting in March 2023.
The launch was nothing short of epic. The BCCI auctioned off franchise rights for a staggering ₹4,669.99 crore (around $557 million), proving investors saw massive potential. Media rights fetched ₹951 crore over five years from Viacom18, and the Tata Group jumped in as title sponsor. The first season rolled out in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, with free tickets for women to fill the stands and create that electric vibe. It’s not just about the money, though—experts like former Australian skipper Meg Lanning have hailed it as a “giant leap” for the sport, offering players financial security and a global stage they never had before. Think about it: Before WPL, many pros balanced cricket with day jobs; now, they’re earning top dollar and inspiring a new generation.
The Setup: Simple, Intense, and Addictive
What keeps fans glued? The format is straightforward but packs a punch. It’s a T20 league—games zip by in about three hours, ideal for busy lives. Five teams play in a double round-robin setup, meaning each faces off twice for a total of 20 league matches. Then come the playoffs: The top side heads straight to the final, while second and third battle in an eliminator for the other spot.
Rules borrow from international T20 cricket, with squads of 15-18 players, including up to six overseas talents to mix local flair with world-class skills. Venues rotate to spread the love—early seasons hit Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Lucknow, and Vadodara, building regional rivalries. The BCCI has teased expansion, maybe adding teams or matches, as viewership skyrockets. And the mascot? A tigress named Shakti, symbolizing the raw power on display.
Meet the Squads: Franchises with Heart and Hustle
The five teams are city-based powerhouses, each with unique owners, captains, and strategies. Here’s the lineup:
- Mumbai Indians (MI): Owned by the Ambanis, they’re the dynasty builders, winning in 2023 and 2025 under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership. Coach: Charlotte Edwards.
- Delhi Capitals (DC): Backed by JSW and GMR, they’ve been runners-up three times running. Jemimah Rodrigues just took over as captain after Meg Lanning’s retirement, with Jonathan Batty coaching.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): United Spirits’ team, captained by Smriti Mandhana, finally broke through in 2024. Coach: Luke Williams.
- UP Warriorz (UPW): Capri Global’s squad from Uttar Pradesh, led by Alyssa Healy. They’ve got grit with players like Deepti Sharma; coach: Jon Lewis.
- Gujarat Giants (GG): Adani Group’s outfit, now captained by Ashleigh Gardner after a rebuild. Coach: Michael Klinger.
These aren’t just teams; they’re brands fostering loyalty, much like IPL counterparts.
Auctions and Icons: The Drama Behind the Talent
Ah, the auctions—where fortunes are made. The inaugural one in 2023 saw teams with ₹12 crore purses snapping up 87 players from 1,500 registrants. Smriti Mandhana became the priciest at ₹3.4 crore for RCB. Purses grow by ₹1.5 crore yearly, keeping things competitive.
Standout stars? Nat Sciver-Brunt tops runs with 1,027, while Hayley Matthews leads wickets at 41. Indians like Shafali Verma (49 sixes) and Richa Ghosh (30 dismissals) shine bright. But shakes-ups happen: Ellyse Perry pulled out of 2026 for personal reasons, a blow to RCB, who replaced her with Sayali Satghare. DC’s Annabel Sutherland also withdrew, with Alana King stepping in. As Deepti Sharma, 2024’s Player of the Season, puts it, the WPL builds a “winning mindset” for Indian cricket.
WPL 2026: Know where to watch Women’s Premier League live …
Epic Seasons: From Debut Thrills to 2026 Fireworks
The WPL’s history is short but packed with drama. 2023: MI chased DC’s 131 for a seven-wicket win, Sciver-Brunt starring. 2024: RCB flipped the script, bowling DC out for 113 and cruising to victory, thanks to Sophie Molineux. 2025: MI edged DC by eight runs in a thriller, Harmanpreet the hero.
Now, 2026 is underway! Running from January 9 to February 5 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai initially, it kicked off with a bang: RCB snatched a last-ball thriller over MI, 157/7 chasing 155, powered by Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 63 and 4/26. As of today, January 10, RCB tops the table with 2 points. Later today: UPW vs GG at 3 p.m., followed by MI vs DC in the evening—expect fireworks!
Records add spice: UPW’s 225/5 is the highest total, Perry’s 6/15 the best bowling, and Verma’s six-hitting shows the league’s aggressive edge.
Beyond the Field: A Lasting Legacy
The WPL isn’t just matches—it’s transforming women’s cricket. Viewership has exploded, with broadcasts on Star Sports and JioHotstar in India, plus global outlets like Sky Sports and Willow TV. Profits are shared generously with franchises, fueling growth. Forbes calls it a “game-changer,” boosting participation and equality in the sport. Case study: Post-WPL, India’s women’s team won the 2025 World Cup, crediting the league’s high-pressure prep.
In wrapping up, the WPL is more than a league—it’s a celebration of talent, resilience, and progress. As we watch 2026 unfold, one thing’s clear: Women’s cricket is here to stay, fiercer than ever. Who’s your pick to lift the trophy this year? Dive in and join the excitement!
