BCCI Extends Deadline for Women’s Premier League Retentions

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an extension for the deadline to submit player retention lists for the upcoming third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Initially set for October 15, the new deadline for franchises to declare their retained players is now November 7, allowing teams more time to finalize their rosters.

Details on Squad Composition and Auction Plans

Each of the five participating teams in the WPL can have a squad of 18 members, including up to six overseas players. Similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL), teams have the option to release players each season. Following the retentions, the BCCI plans to hold a mini-auction, although the date for this auction has yet to be confirmed.

The auction purse for the third season has increased to INR 15 crores, up from INR 12 crores in the inaugural auction and INR 13.5 crores in the previous season. This increase reflects the growing interest and investment in women’s cricket, highlighting the league’s potential for attracting talent and enhancing competition.

Future of WPL and Mega Auction Speculations

Looking ahead, after the 2025 season, a mega auction may take place, potentially introducing a new team to the league. The BCCI is also expected to implement a retention policy for the WPL, similar to that of the IPL, to provide structure and consistency for franchises. Currently, the league consists of five teams: Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz.

Anticipated Schedule for WPL 2025

The BCCI has yet to announce specific dates and venues for the upcoming season, but it is anticipated that the WPL 2025 will be held during the February-March window, as seen in the previous two seasons. Reports suggest that this scheduling aligns with the conclusion of senior women’s domestic fixtures, which wrap up by mid-January.

The inaugural season of the WPL was held entirely in Mumbai, while the second season saw matches hosted in Bengaluru and Delhi. For the third edition, there are discussions about possibly using two cities again to accommodate the growing number of matches and fan engagement.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the upcoming season as defending champions after their victory against Delhi Capitals in the final at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Mumbai Indians, winners of the inaugural season, were eliminated in the Eliminator round this year, setting the stage for intense competition in the next season.