The 2025 edition of the Women’s Premier League is less than a month away. It is all set to be conducted in two phases across two different venues.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has zeroed in on Lucknow and Baroda as the two cities that could potentially host the third season. There is no official confirmation just as yet. However, Cricbuzz has reported that the Indian board has already had conversations with the two cricket boards involved – Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and Baroda Cricket Association (BCA).
It is understood that the tournament is likely to start on the 6th or 7th of February and will run for about a month. The final is expected to be played either on the 8th or 9th of March. An official announcement is expected to be out soon.
There are reports that the BCA have requested the BCCI to allot the second half of the tournament to them in order to prepare better. The Kotambi Stadium in Baroda is a newly built international venue which was inaugurated last month. It even hosted three ODIs between India Women and West Indies Women recently which the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side won 3-0.
If the BCA’s wish is granted, the new Kotambi Stadium will likely host the final as well. The Baroda board needs a couple of weeks in order to have the final touches on the new ground. It is also scheduled to host the knockout stages of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (men’s domestic 50-over tournament). The semi-finals and finals will be played under lights which will help the board check the preparedness of the ground and overall facilities.
The first season of the WPL was played in Mumbai alone. Meanwhile, the second edition saw Bengaluru and Delhi as the hosts. Mumbai Indians (MI) won the inaugural WPL before Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became champions in the second.
Harmanpreet Kaur summoned at the NCA: Reports
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur was rested for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland. Kaur and Renuka Singh Thakur were the only first-choice options that were rested, as mentioned by the BCCI’s release. However, it is learnt that the she has been asked to report at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
The nature or extent of Kaur’s injury is unknown. She had a knee niggle during the West Indies series which forced her to miss a couple of T20Is. She also played the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a neck and shoulder injury.
