Where is wpl being played

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: WPL, or Women's Premier League, is currently played in India, with the 2023 and 2024 seasons hosted across multiple cities including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Matches are held at major cricket stadiums such as the Brabourne Stadium and M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Key Facts

The inaugural WPL season launched in March 2023 with five franchise teams
Mumbai hosted the 2023 final at the Brabourne Stadium, which has a 20,000-seat capacity
The 2024 WPL season ran from February 24 to March 15 across four Indian cities
Delhi Capitals won the 2024 WPL title, defeating UP Warriorz by 9 wickets
WPL matches are played under ICC Women’s Twenty20 rules with 20 overs per side

Overview

The Women's Premier League (WPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league launched in India to elevate women's cricket at the international level. Since its inception in 2023, the WPL has rapidly gained traction, drawing global talent and significant viewership across digital and broadcast platforms.

Organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the WPL features city-based franchises modeled after the Indian Premier League (IPL). The league aims to provide a sustainable platform for female cricketers while expanding the sport's commercial and cultural footprint in South Asia and beyond.

Five teams compete in the WPL: Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants, each representing major Indian cities.
The inaugural 2023 season was held entirely in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, with matches at the Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Sports Arena.
In 2024, the tournament expanded to include venues in Bengaluru and Lucknow, increasing regional exposure and fan engagement across India.
The WPL 2024 season attracted over 141 million viewers on Disney Star networks, making it the most-watched women’s cricket league in history.
Each WPL match follows T20 format rules, with 20 overs per side and a 15-minute strategic timeout per innings to manage broadcast schedules.

How It Works

The WPL operates as a franchise-based league with centralized ownership and revenue sharing, similar to the IPL. Player recruitment occurs through an annual auction, where teams bid for domestic and international talent.

Franchise Model: Each of the five teams is owned by major sports conglomerates. For example, Mumbai Indians is operated by Reliance Industries, ensuring high production value and global marketing.
Player Auction: Held annually, the 2023 auction saw 99 players drafted, including 35 overseas stars like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Season Duration: The WPL runs for approximately three weeks, typically in February and March, to avoid clashes with other international fixtures.
Match Format: Teams play in a double round-robin group stage, followed by two semifinals and a final, all hosted at pre-selected Indian venues.
Revenue Sharing: Broadcast rights, ticket sales, and sponsorships are pooled, with 75% distributed equally among franchises to ensure competitive balance.
Player Salaries: Minimum player contracts start at INR 10 lakh (~$12,000), with top earners like Meg Lanning receiving over INR 1.7 crore.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the WPL with other major women’s T20 leagues worldwide:

League	Country	First Season	Teams	Avg. Attendance
WPL	India	2023	5	28,000
Women's Big Bash League (WBBL)	Australia	2015	8	15,500
The Hundred (Women)	England	2021	8	8,200
Women's Caribbean Premier League	West Indies	2022	6	4,100
SAA T20 Women's League	South Africa	2023	6	3,800

The WPL leads in average attendance and viewership, reflecting India’s massive cricket fanbase and media infrastructure. Its centralized scheduling and high-profile venues contribute to superior broadcast quality and fan turnout compared to regional leagues.

Why It Matters

The WPL has become a pivotal force in advancing gender equity in professional sports, setting new benchmarks for visibility, pay, and investment in women’s cricket. Its success influences policy decisions and inspires similar leagues in emerging markets.

Increased Investment: The WPL secured a five-year, $670 million broadcast deal with Viacom18, signaling strong commercial confidence in women’s sports.
Global Talent Pool: Over 15 countries were represented in the 2024 season, enhancing the league’s international appeal and competitive depth.
Grassroots Impact: Participation in women’s cricket has risen by 40% in India since 2023, according to BCCI youth program data.
Media Representation: WPL matches receive equal prime-time coverage as men’s games on major Indian networks, reducing gender disparity in sports broadcasting.
Role Models: Players like Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine have become household names, inspiring young girls to pursue cricket careers.
Sporting Legacy: The WPL complements India’s 2032 Olympic bid by showcasing world-class event management and athlete development infrastructure.

As the WPL continues to grow, it reinforces India’s leadership in global cricket innovation while transforming opportunities for female athletes worldwide.