Womens Premier League (WPL): History, Teams and Winners
The launch of the Womens Premier League (WPL) in 2023 was a landmark moment for Indian sports.
As a franchise-based T20 league for women cricketers, the WPL bridged the gap between aspiration and opportunity, bringing world-class talent to Indian fans on a new stage.
Created by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the league quickly became one of the most-watched and celebrated women’s sports events in the country.
From its formation to iconic match moments and impact on global cricket, here’s everything you need to know about the WPL.
What is the Womens Premier League?
The Women’s Premier League is India’s premier T20 cricket competition for female cricketers. Much like the men’s IPL, WPL is built around franchises, auctions, and city-based rivalries.
It provides both international and domestic women players with a platform to showcase their skills in front of massive audiences.
It’s more than just a league—WPL is a movement toward equality, professionalism, and visibility for women athletes.
The Formation and Background of WPL
Before WPL, Indian women’s cricket had little to no exposure to franchise cricket.
Although there were exhibition matches under the Women’s T20 Challenge (2018–2022), they lacked structure and audience appeal.
Following India’s performances in the 2017 ODI World Cup and the 2020 T20 World Cup, public interest surged.
In 2022, BCCI formally announced the creation of WPL. The inaugural franchise auction was held in January 2023, where five teams were bought by top Indian business groups.
Timeline:
- March 2022 – BCCI proposes full-scale women’s IPL
- October 2022 – Confirmation of a 5-team league
- January 2023 – Franchise bidding and player auction
- March 4, 2023 – First WPL match played
This moment marked a turning point for women’s sports in India, both in perception and in professional opportunity.
Franchises and Ownership
Five franchises participated in the inaugural season, each representing major Indian cities and owned by companies also involved in the men’s IPL.
WPL Teams and Owners:
Teams | City | Owner |
Mumbai Indians Women | Mumbai | Reliance Industries |
Delhi Capitals Women | Delhi | JSW–GMR Group |
UP Warriorz | Lucknow | Capri Global Holdings |
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women | Bangalore | United Spirits |
Gujarat Giants | Ahmedabad | Adani Sportsline |
Players from India, Australia, England, the West Indies, South Africa, and New Zealand were picked during a live auction event.
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana became the highest-paid player, bought for ₹3.4 crore by RCB Women.
WPL 2023: The Debut Season
The first season of the Women’s Premier League ran from March 4 to March 26, 2023, and was held in Mumbai.
Matches were hosted at the DY Patil Stadium and Brabourne Stadium.
The tournament followed a round-robin format where all five teams played each other twice.
The top team went directly to the final, while the 2nd and 3rd played an eliminator.
Key Results:
- Finalists: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals
- Winner: Mumbai Indians Women
- Result: Mumbai won by 7 wickets
- Venue: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
Harmanpreet Kaur led the Mumbai side with confidence, supported by international stars like Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Delhi Capitals, under Meg Lanning, dominated the league stage but stumbled in the final.
Star Performers – 2023
- Hayley Matthews: Player of the Tournament
- Meg Lanning: Orange Cap winner (most runs)
- Sophie Ecclestone: Among the top wicket-takers
- Shafali Verma: Known for aggressive power-hitting
The first season ended with packed stadiums, record-breaking digital viewership, and rising excitement for the next edition.
WPL 2024: Bigger, Bolder, Better
The second season of WPL was held from February to March 2024, showcasing more polished performances, fresh talent, and better league management.
The same five franchises returned with revised squads, stronger combinations, and fierce rivalries.
Delhi Capitals once again topped the league stage but failed to lift the trophy, while RCB Women and MI Women remained strong contenders.
WPL 2024 Points Table:
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals Women | 8 | 6 | 2 | 12 | +1.198 |
| Mumbai Indians Women | 8 | 5 | 3 | 10 | +0.024 |
| RCB Women | 8 | 4 | 4 | 8 | +0.306 |
| UP Warriorz | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | -0.371 |
| Gujarat Giants | 8 | 2 | 6 | 4 | -1.158 |
This season brought even more attention to Indian youngsters who emerged as top performers. The league saw improved fitness levels, faster fielding, and closer finishes.
Top Players in WPL (2023–2024)
Several players left their mark on the league during its first two seasons.
- Meg Lanning – Reliable captain and top run-scorer
- Hayley Matthews – Match-winner with bat and ball
- Harmanpreet Kaur – Consistent captaincy and middle-order power
- Shafali Verma – Opening explosiveness
- Ellyse Perry – All-round contributions and big-match performances
These players not only lit up the scoreboard but also inspired thousands of young girls watching across India.
Key Impacts of the WPL
The Women’s Premier League is more than just cricket. It represents a social shift in how women’s sports are viewed in India.
Top 5 Impacts of WPL:
- Increased fan base for women’s cricket across all age groups.
- Higher salaries and financial security for women cricketers.
- Media visibility with live TV, online streaming, and sponsorships.
- Emergence of new domestic talent from smaller cities and academies.
- Corporate investment and endorsements, previously rare in women’s sports.
The WPL is now seen as a key part of India’s broader sports ecosystem, creating jobs, fan communities, and marketing opportunities.
The Road Ahead: Future of WPL
As of 2025, the BCCI is reportedly planning to expand the league to 6 teams, possibly bringing in cities like Kolkata or Chennai.
There’s also speculation about longer seasons, home-away matches, and possibly organizing matches in Tier-2 cities to grow the sport further.
Future plans include:
- More cities and franchises
- U-19 and developmental leagues tied to WPL teams
- International broadcasting partnerships
- WPL-themed merchandise, fan zones, and meet-ups
Conclusion
The Women’s Premier League is already rewriting the script of Indian cricket.
In just two seasons, it has empowered women cricketers, inspired fans, and opened up new opportunities across the cricket ecosystem.
With growing investment, fan interest, and talent, WPL is poised to become one of the biggest women’s leagues globally.
From its humble beginning to a powerful present, the WPL is proving that when given the right platform, women’s cricket can shine just as brightly—and sometimes even brighter—than any other sport.
About The Author:
Avijit Brahma
I’m Avijit Brahma, a cricket enthusiast who enjoys dissecting games, evaluating player performances, and offering my opinions on the sport. I’m here to share my thoughts, ideas, and everything about cricket, whether it’s a thrilling finish or a knock that breaks records. Let’s have a proper conversation about cricket!
