Women’s Cricket Premier League 2025: Everything You Need to Know
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting franchise-based T20 tournaments in the world. After two electrifying seasons, the much-anticipated third edition of the WPL is set to take center stage in 2025. With an expanded number of venues, fierce rivalries, and an auction that turned heads, WPL 2025 promises to be bigger and better than ever.
The tournament kicks off on Friday, February 14, 2025, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Gujarat Giants in what is expected to be an exhilarating curtain-raiser. The action-packed tournament will culminate in the grand final on Saturday, March 15, 2025. You can bet on cricket matches here
WPL 2025: Teams and Star Players
The league will once again feature five powerhouse teams, each stacked with world-class cricketers and promising young talent. Here’s a closer look at the squads:
1. Gujarat Giants (GG)
Key Players: Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Simran Shaikh, Deandra Dottin
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Key Players: Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Sophie Devine
3. Mumbai Indians (MI)
Key Players: Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr
4. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Key Players: Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp
5. UP Warriorz (UPW)
Key Players: Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Deepti Sharma, Grace Harris
Each team has a balanced squad filled with experienced internationals and young Indian talent, making this season even more unpredictable and thrilling.
The Expanded Battlefield: WPL 2025 Venues
For the first time in WPL history, the tournament will be played across four venues:
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Vadodara
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Bengaluru
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Lucknow
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Mumbai
This expansion allows fans from different regions to witness high-quality women’s cricket live, ensuring a more extensive and passionate audience engagement.
WPL 2025: Format and Match Structure
Group Stage: The Battle Begins
The tournament follows a round-robin format, where each of the five teams will play two matches against each other, making for a total of 20 matches in the group stage. A win earns two points, while an abandoned game results in one point per team.
Knockouts: The Final Countdown
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The top-ranked team at the end of the group stage will secure a direct berth in the final.
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The second and third-placed teams will battle in the eliminator, with the winner advancing to the final.
With only two knockout matches, every game in the group stage is crucial in determining the fate of the teams.
WPL 2025 Auction: Breaking Records
The WPL 2025 auction was nothing short of historic, with record-breaking bids and fierce bidding wars. Here are the biggest purchases:
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Most Expensive Player: Simran Shaikh (INR 1.90 crore) to Gujarat Giants
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Most Expensive Overseas Player: Deandra Dottin (INR 1.70 crore) to Gujarat Giants
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Most Expensive Uncapped Player: Simran Shaikh (INR 1.90 crore) to Gujarat Giants
The high price tags on young and uncapped players reflect the growing competitiveness and scouting prowess of WPL franchises.
WPL 2025: Rivalries to Watch Out For
RCB vs MI: The Clash of Titans
The RCB-MI rivalry is one of the most anticipated matchups in the WPL, much like their male counterparts in the IPL. With superstars like Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, this contest is always a thriller.
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MI vs RCB Head-to-Head: MI lead 3-2
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Upcoming Matches:
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Match 7: RCB vs MI, Bengaluru - 21st February 2025
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Match 20: MI vs RCB, Mumbai - 11th March 2025
DC vs RCB: The Lanning vs Mandhana Showdown
Delhi Capitals have had the upper hand over RCB, winning four of their five encounters. However, the one victory RCB managed came in the WPL 2024 final, giving them their maiden title.
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Upcoming Matches:
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Match 4: DC vs RCB, Vadodara - 17th February 2025
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Match 14: RCB vs DC, Bengaluru - 1st March 2025
GG vs UPW: The Underdogs' Duel
Both Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz are looking to rise to the top, and their matchups have always been nail-biters. UPW lead the rivalry 3-1, but Gujarat managed to win their last encounter in WPL 2024.
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Upcoming Matches:
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Match 3: GG vs UPW, Vadodara - 16th February 2025
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Match 15: UPW vs GG, Lucknow - 3rd March 2025
What to Expect from WPL 2025?
1. More Venues, Bigger Crowds
The inclusion of four cities ensures that WPL 2025 will reach a wider audience, bringing more fans into stadiums and growing women’s cricket in India.
2. Rising Indian Talent in Focus
Players like Simran Shaikh and other young Indian talents will be under the spotlight, making this tournament a crucial stepping stone for India’s next generation of stars.
3. International Superstars in Action
With overseas icons like Meg Lanning, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Ellyse Perry, fans will witness world-class cricketing talent in full flow.
4. High-Stakes Rivalries
With teams like RCB, MI, and DC boasting stacked squads, the road to the WPL trophy will be fiercely contested.
The third season of the Women’s Premier League is shaping up to be the biggest and most thrilling edition yet. With new venues, high-octane rivalries, and superstar-studded teams, WPL 2025 is set to elevate women’s cricket to new heights.
Mark your calendars, because from February 14 to March 15, 2025, the world will witness an unforgettable season of T20 cricket!
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