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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to expand the Women's Premier League (WPL) in the future, as it was recently hinted by the board's secretary, Devajit Saikia. From the sidelines of the players' auction for the 2027 season, Saikia revealed a glimpse of their plans to take the women's franchise league forward.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and the board felt that the Women's Premier League has made a significant impact on Indian women's cricket and eventually on global women's cricket. By gaining success in a short period, BCCI is considering expanding the league. In the future, it is possible to see more teams participating in the T20 league.
WPL is likely to get new teams in the future
Since the inaugural season in 2023, there have been five franchises, including the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Giants (GG), and UP Warriorz (UPW). In only four seasons, the league has achieved significant attention from the national and international market, as it provides nail-biting matches, close rivalries, and a great platform for emerging cricket talent.
Through this league, the young women's cricketers are able to compete with the leading international superstars, which is believed to be one of the pulling powers of the competition.
Devajit Saikia reveals their plans
Speaking to the official website of the league on Wednesday, Saikia informed that the BCCI would take further steps after measuring all possibilities. An increase in the number of teams could be one of the steps the board can consider in the future. If things go well according to the plans, with brilliant prospects ahead, then from next year, the women's league could have something to brainstorm.
"From next year, definitely we will have to do some brainstorming sessions to increase the number of teams as well as in other areas where we can improve," Saikia said.
Saikia, in his statement, mentioned that after the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Women's Premier League has shown massive growth since its inception. Only after four seasons, the league is ruling women's cricket by making successful contributions in India for women cricketers.
"WPL is one of the big leagues in franchise cricket after IPL. We have come a long way in four years, and ultimately we are now dominating women's cricket. The league has contributed to the success of women's cricket in India," he said.
🗣️ The success of WPL has positively impacted the entire women’s cricket ecosystem: Devajit Saikia @lonsaikia The BCCI Honorary secretary reflects on #TATAWPLAuction and says that the aim is to spread the benefits among maximum cricketers with an eye on expansion. 🙌 #TATAWPL https://t.co/oVZCWPtOsO
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) October 29, 2026
Sophie Molineux got the highest bid ahead of the 2027 season
Meanwhile, all five teams are ready for the next season as they have set their full squads. On Wednesday, October 28, franchises confirmed their full squad through the mini auction. Australia captain Sophie Molineux emerged as the most expensive at the auction, getting an INR 1.10 crore bid from UP Warriorz.
As it was a mini auction, all of the franchises were very tactical and took cautious measures with their bids. Instead of spending heavy amounts on a single player, franchises aimed to secure as much raw talent as possible from the auction.
