Bengaluru and Delhi have made it to the shortlist of venues considered by the BCCI for hosting the upcoming second edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
The BCCI has chosen Bengaluru and Delhi as potential venues for the second edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Pending approval, the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru would host the opening matches from February 22 to March 17, with the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi hosting the latter phase, including knockout games and the final. This dual-venue technique attempts to keep the surfaces fresh for the forthcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), slated to begin on March 22.
The inaugural WPL in 2023 took place in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had initially suggested a single-state hosting to solve logistical problems but ultimately agreed for two locations. Despite talks of games at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, it was ruled out due to its significant size. Interestingly, Mumbai will not host any matches in the forthcoming season.
The reigning champions, Mumbai Indians headed by Harmanpreet Kaur, claimed the title in the first edition by defeating Delhi Capitals. The BCCI’s decision not to include Mumbai in the locations for the WPL 2024 adds to the expectation. All clubs, reinforced by major additions in the mini-auction held in Mumbai, are gearing up for an entertaining tournament.
In the December auctions for WPL 2024, Kashvee Gautam, the Indian all-rounder, emerged as the priciest uncapped player, fetching a hefty $240,000. Set to don the colors of Gujarat Giants, she aims to contribute to their quest for victory in the upcoming second season of the tournament.
The upcoming tournament features five teams: Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, UP Warrioz, and Gujarat Giants. The competition’s structure involves the top three teams from the league stage advancing to the playoffs. The team securing the top spot in the league phase secures a direct spot in the final, while the second and third-placed teams enter the Eliminator, with the victor joining the other finalists.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that IPL 2024 will commence on March 22, as declared during the auctions in December. However, there’s still uncertainty regarding the schedule, and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) season itinerary is also in limbo.
