Women's IPL (WPL): India's Premier Women's Cricket League

The Women's Premier League (WPL) — sometimes called the Women's IPL — launched in March 2023 as India's first professional women's T20 cricket franchise league. After years of demand for a league equivalent to the IPL for women's cricketers, the BCCI committed to the competition with significant investment, high franchise fees, and a global player auction that attracted stars from around the world.

The Inaugural 2023 Season

The WPL 2023 featured five franchises: Mumbai Indians Women, Delhi Capitals Women, Gujarat Giants Women, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women, and UP Warriorz Women. Mumbai Indians Women won the inaugural title. The competition attracted sell-out crowds, significant television audiences, and international stars including Meg Lanning, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ellyse Perry, and Deandra Dottin.

Impact on Women's Cricket

The WPL is considered transformative for women's cricket globally. Indian women cricketers — historically not paid anywhere near their male counterparts — suddenly had access to significant franchise contracts. International players came to India to play alongside and against the world's best. The competition raised the standard of women's cricket and provided professional pathways for a new generation of Indian players.

Format

The WPL uses the T20 format with six franchises playing round-robin matches followed by playoffs. Each team has a mix of Indian and overseas players. Player auctions follow a similar structure to the IPL, with salary caps and competitive bidding for the world's best women's cricketers. The competition has expanded annually since its launch.