The WPL dates have been announced, and Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, which recently hosted the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final, will host the inaugural competition.
The Women’s Premier League is to be played for the fourth time and Mumbai Indians will once again enter as the defending champions of the tournament. Many big names will be seen in the new shirts after they are released ahead of the mega-auction.
Even veteran batsman Meg Lanning, Australian captain Alyssa Healy and finally Indian kingpin Deepti Sharma were released by their respective franchises.
WPL announced the dates amid the mega-auction.
The Women’s Premier League is scheduled to be played for three seasons before 2026, and the window is around January-February, well ahead of the IPL. This time they have been extended further, because the ICC T20 World Cup is also to be held in India around this time.
The dates for the WPL have been announced, and it will be held between January 9 and February 5. The tournament will be held at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
DY Patil will host the opening round and first game of the season, with the final taking place at the BCA Stadium.
UP Warriors pick and retain Deepti Sharma for Rs 3.2 crore
Veteran Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma finished as India’s best performer in the World Cup win with 200+ runs and most wickets with the ball. He won the Player of the Tournament award in the World Cup.
Although Deepti was released by his former franchise, UP Warriors, it seems they never let him go. He was brought back for Rs 3.2 crore as they fought a tough bidding war for the all-rounder.
UP Warriors have also parted ways with their former captain Alyssa Healy, but will look for their new captain in Meg Lanning.
Laura Wolvaardt to DC, Meg Lanning and Sophie Ecclestone to UP Warriors, Kerr to MI, and Alyssa Healy not sold in WPL auction
Laura Wolvaardt, the top scorer and team captain for South Africa at the World Cup, has been sold to Delhi Capitals after Gujarat Giants decided to release her. She has been selected for Rs 1.10 crore and can also be seen in a leadership role.
Meg Lanning, the captain who led Delhi Capitals to consecutive finals but never won any title, has been sold again to UP Warriors as they will be looking for the ideal choice for the captaincy.
Amy Kerr has been one of the most expensive overseas players, with her previous franchise Mumbai Indians paying her Rs 3 crore. Sophie Ecclestone will also pair with Deepti and Meg Lanning in UP Deck.
Australian captain Alyssa Healy was one of the most surprising names among the unsold players; This could be due to his frequent injuries and absence from the game.
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