WPL controversy erupts as state body ‘PUNISHES’ player for being picked in Women’s Premier League

A major controversy has emerged involving a state cricket association and a player selected for the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The incident has left the cricketing fraternity puzzled during the ongoing edition of the women’s T20 tournament.

The WPL is widely regarded as the top women’s franchise competition, giving players global exposure and financial security. However, instead of celebrating the player’s achievement, a state association has reportedly “punished” her for opting to play in the T20 league over domestic practice matches.

State Association Issues Ultimatum to WPL-Selected Player

According to reports circulating on social media, a state cricket association issued a directive to one of its players who had secured a WPL contract. The association reportedly asked the player to withdraw from the WPL to take part in “practice matches” for the state team.

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The association is said to have issued an ultimatum, asking the player to choose between playing the practice matches to remain eligible for state selection or competing in the WPL and facing consequences.

"True story: A state association has asked a player to pull out of the WPL to play in some practice matches - 'to be eligible to be selected for the state team'. In the politest way, she has declined but what even is the thinking? Picked for WPL - punishment is dropped from state," a user revealed the details on X.

WPL Choice Costs Player State Spot Amid Selection Row

The player politely declined the state body’s request, choosing to honour her WPL commitment. The state association reportedly stood by its ultimatum and dropped her from the squad.

As a result, she will miss the ongoing 50-over tournament. Performances in the 50-over format are the main criteria for selection into the Inter-Zonal teams.

The cricketing community remains hopeful about the player’s future. There is already talk that she could switch states next season, as associations risk losing top talent if they continue to enforce rigid and counter-intuitive policies.

State associations are generally expected to develop players for elite platforms like the WPL. This decision has raised serious questions about whether the administration is acting in the players’ best interests or engaging in a power struggle.

Backlash Grows Over State Body’s Stance On WPL Player

The incident has also triggered strong reactions from fans and experts. Punishing a player for being talented enough to earn a WPL contract goes against the core idea of player development.

The decision to prioritise “practice matches” over a premier tournament featuring the world’s best cricketers has raised serious questions about the state association’s decision-making.

Calls for the Board of Control for Cricket in India to step in are growing. Since the WPL is governed by the BCCI, clearer rules are needed to prevent clashes between state duties and franchise commitments and to safeguard players’ interests.

"This is overreach by the state unit. Hope @BCCI takes note," PTI journalist Kushan Sarkar wrote.

this is over reach by state unit. hope @BCCI takes note https://t.co/X9RmiBySMk

— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) January 26, 2026

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