Synopsis
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is India’s premier women’s Twenty20 cricket league. Founded and organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the league launched in March 2023 as a successor to the earlier Women’s T20 Challenge.
Franchise Structure: The tournament features five founding teams: Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and UP Warriorz.
Tournament Format: Teams compete in a double round-robin league stage. The top-ranked side earns direct entry to the final, while the second- and third-placed teams face off in an Eliminator match to determine the second finalist.
Auction & Squad Rules: Players are acquired via an open auction system with dedicated team purse caps. Playing XIs allow a maximum of four overseas players (with provision for a fifth if representing an ICC Associate nation).
Most Successful Teams: Mumbai Indians (champions in 2023 and 2025) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (champions in 2024 and 2026) are the most decorated franchises, each having won two titles.
Statistical Highlights: Nat Sciver-Brunt stands as the league’s all-time leading run-scorer, while Amelia Kerr tops the all-time wicket tally. Season performers are awarded the Orange Cap (most runs) and Purple Cap (most wickets).
Global Significance: The WPL instantly became the highest-paying and most-watched domestic cricket league in women’s sports globally, playing a pivotal role in narrowing the pay gap and accelerating the professionalization of women’s cricket worldwide.
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