Morena in the Chambal Valley celebrated Smriti Mandhana’s WPL final win less than a year ago. A small girl who didn’t know a woman cricketer four years earlier was among the joyful admirers. She now bookmarks reels with her favourite player, Ellyse Perry.
Her transformation from unfamiliarity to profound participation reflects WPL’s impact across India, especially in distant areas far from city stadiums. Follow bpexch for more amazing cricket news.
While WPL 2025 is exciting, it also presents obstacles. With a larger audience, more competition, and a wider city reach, this season will be more heated than ever.
The Meteoric Rise of WPL
The WPL has become a notable sporting event in its first two seasons. Last season, the event attracted 149 million TV and 109 million internet viewers, indicating that women’s cricket in India is no longer marginal.
Perry, Meg Lanning, Marizanne Kapp, and Amelia Kerr are becoming household names alongside Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana.
WPL does not yet rival the IPL, but its trajectory implies it is on the right track. The tournament’s competitiveness, new talent, and platform for domestic cricketers contribute to its rise.
A Wider Reach in 2025
Venue enlargement is a significant development this season. In its first season, all matches were played in one city.
The third edition in 2025 will be played in four cities—Delhi, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Mumbai—presenting new challenges like travel fatigue and playing conditions.
This change broadens the league’s appeal and challenges players’ adaptation in varied contexts.
WPL 2025 Venues & Schedule
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (Feb 14-19)
- M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (February 21–March 1)
- BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (Mar 3-8)
- Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (March 10-15)
The league stage goes from February 14 to March 11, followed by the Eliminator on March 13 and the Final on March 15. All matches start at 7:30 PM (IST).
The Consistency Challenge
Most teams play aggressively and entertainingly, but consistency is lacking. WPL is still young and hasn’t reached the top of T20 competitions.
While players shine, competition quality varies. WPL’s long-term success depends on establishing a defined identity beyond financial gains.
WPL benefits domestic Indian players the most. The competition boosted the careers of Shreyanka Patil, Kanika Ahuja, Saima Thakor, and Tanuja Kanwar.
After career disappointments, Saika Ishaque, S Sajana, and Asha Shobana have found new possibilities.
However, Indian domestic batters need improvement—another chance for budding talent to shine in 2025.
The WPL Pressure Cooker
WPL’s intensive, result-oriented mentality is a challenge. While men’s T20 competitions provide players and coaches with numerous events to create synergy, WPL has only three weeks. This causes coaching staff and athletes to lose familiarity.
Despite these challenges, UP Warriorz prefer stability to squad reshuffling. They kept most of their players despite a terrible 2024 season, choosing team cohesion over fresh recruits.
The Weight of Expectations
Several players will face their biggest test in WPL 2025. The rigorous schedule, harsh weather, and performance expectations will test athletes.
Players Under Pressure
Gujarat Giants skipper Ash Gardner is a key example. Last season, suffering from form and weariness, she said she wanted the season to end. She returns determined to improve a club that has finished last in both seasons.
Players on all teams will face a test this season. Some will excel, while others may fail. Every WPL season strengthens its players, defining their careers and the future of women’s cricket.
Meet the Captains
- Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
- Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals)
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Mumbai Indians)
- Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz)
- Ash Gardner (Gujarat Giants)
What’s Next?
WPL 2025 is more than just another cricket league. It promotes women’s sports, cricketing culture, and rising talents.
WPL’s genuine influence will be felt by young girls in tiny communities who now have role models, like the Morena girl who cheered for Smriti Mandhana last year.
This season will be the hardest ever, with high stakes, a packed schedule, and intense competition.
The fireworks will light up the night sky again, but WPL 2025 will be more than simply a spectacle—it will define women’s cricket.
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