The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to return for its third season, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) eyeing a month-long window from early February to March 2025. Sources suggest the tournament is likely to begin on February 6 and run until March 9, though the final schedule is yet to be confirmed. Franchise representatives were reportedly informed of this tentative timeline during the recent player auction held in Bengaluru.
Season 3 promises to deliver 22 exciting matches, mirroring the structure of the previous two editions. While there were initial discussions about adding a new team, the BCCI has decided to hold off on expansion plans for now. Fans will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the reigning champions, aiming to defend their title.
The choice of venues remains undecided, but Lucknow and Ahmedabad appear to be the leading candidates. Reports indicate that Mumbai, the base of the Mumbai Indians, is not under consideration, and Bengaluru, home to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is also off the table. A senior official from Karnataka Cricket has hinted that the city will not host matches this season, while Delhi has been ruled out due to harsh winter conditions.
With Lucknow (UP Warriorz’s base) and Ahmedabad (home of Gujarat Giants) emerging as strong contenders, discussions are ongoing. Some franchises have expressed a preference for Ahmedabad, though the availability of the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium for the full tournament remains uncertain. A final decision on venues is expected soon.
If the WPL concludes between March 7 and 9, there will be a brief gap before the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off on March 14. This scheduling ensures a smooth handover between the two premier cricketing events, promising fans a thrilling start to 2025!