Picture Credit: BCCI/WPL
The third edition of Women’s Premier League (WPL) recently concluded with Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians (MI) Women winning their second title. The two-time champions defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) Women by eight wickets at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai to get their hands on the coveted trophy once again.
Seeing the growing audience of women’s cricket and WPL, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman, Arun Singh Dhumal was recently enquired about addition of new teams in the T20 league. However, the IPL Chairman refuted plans of extending the tournament at this stage, he lauded the tournament “growing phenomenally”.
There are no immediate plans: Arun Shumal on new WPL team additions
The BCCI board member clarified that the there remains no plan of extending the league at the moment, but is only aiming to consolidate. "To further strengthen this tournament for the time being, we want to consolidate before we take a call on further addition of any team. There are no immediate plans (to add teams)," Dhumal told PTI.
"So, within three editions, WPL has grown phenomenally in terms of traction, for in-stadium attendance. All the broadcast numbers are very, very encouraging. And it has given new impetus to women's cricket worldwide. So, we are hoping this continues to grow. And this augurs very well for not only the tournament, but women's cricket in general," he added.
It is to be noted that WPL see five teams fight for the coveted title, namely, Mumbai Indians Women, Delhi Capitals Women, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz. The league, which has been since three years haven’t yet gone ino the home-away format like the IPL. While two finals took place at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, one season the summit clash took place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
