BCCI selects venues for Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is gearing up for its third season, with the tournament set to begin in February 2025. According to a report in Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is finalizing arrangements and has selected potential venues for the next edition.

Schedule and format of the tournament

The WPL 2025 is expected to start in the first week of February, with the final likely to be held on March 8 or 9. This year’s tournament will feature approximately 23 matches, including the league stage, qualifiers and the grand final. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)the reigning champions, will aim to retain their title as the competition promises another exciting season of women’s cricket.

Sites under consideration

For the first time, the tournament could be held in two phases, with Baroda and Lucknow emerging as strong contenders to host the matches. The newly opened Kotambi Stadium in Baroda is said to be the favorite to host the second phase, which includes the qualifiers and the final. The state-of-the-art venue has received significant attention for its world-class facilities since opening last month.

Kotambi Stadium recently hosted India Women’s ODI matches against West Indies as well as several domestic competitions including Ranji Trophy games. To further prepare for the WPL, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) will hold the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout rounds under the spotlight to test the stadium’s readiness.

ALSO READ: WPL Auction 2025: Complete list of sold players with their price

Meanwhile, Lucknow has been identified as a potential venue for the first phase of the tournament. The BCCI is in talks with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to finalize the arrangements. The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, known for hosting international and IPL matches, is likely to be the ground of choice if the talks materialise.

A new chapter in the history of WPL

The inaugural WPL season in 2023 was held entirely in Mumbai, while the 2024 edition was split between Bangalore and Delhi. With the proposed move to Baroda and Lucknow, the BCCI aims to expand the league’s reach to new venues, giving fans in these cities a chance to experience top-class women’s cricket.

The decision to host WPL 2025 in two phases could also address logistical challenges and improve fan engagement. By choosing venues with international standard facilities, the BCCI ensures that the tournament continues to grow in stature and provides players with world-class conditions.

ALSO READ: From Smriti Mandhana to Simran Shaikh: Top 10 Most Expensive Players in WPL History

This article was first published in WomenCricket.coma Cricket time company