WPL to add new teams from next year? IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal clears BCCI's stance

IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has opened up about the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to expand the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Dhumal, a member of the WPL committee, stated that the board has no immediate plans to increase the number of teams beyond the existing five.

The Women's Premier League has experienced significant growth over its first three seasons. Mumbai Indians (MI) clinched their second title in three years by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final of the 2025 edition. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) recorded the win in the second edition of the tournament.

We Want to Consolidate Before We Take a Call - Arun Dhumal

Arun Dhumal confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has no immediate plans to expand the Women's Premier League.

There were plans to add more teams after three seasons, but now the focus is on consolidating and strengthening the tournament before considering any expansion. The WPL is overseen by a committee led by BCCI president Roger Binny.

"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)," Arun Dhumal told news agency PTI.

The Women's Premier League has shown growth in its first three seasons, with an increase in in-stadium attendance and viewership. Notably, the WPL 2025 had approximately 150 million viewers across 22 matches, with the final and the opening match attracting the highest viewership.

We Are Hoping This Continues to Grow - Arun Dhumal

Arun Dhumal also said that the growth of women's cricket is promising. He expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s progress and believes the success of the league is boosting women's cricket worldwide. He hopes this momentum will continue.

"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," Dhumal said.

"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.

WPL Yet to Adopt Home and Away Format

The Women's Premier League did not adopt the home-and-away format like the Indian Premier League. This year’s event was hosted across multiple venues, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Baroda, and Lucknow. Mumbai Indians clinched their second title in three years by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final.

The BCCI generated Rs 4670 crore from the sale of five teams representing Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, UP, and Gujarat. Additionally, the media rights were sold for Rs 951 crore, establishing WPL as the second-largest women’s cricket league worldwide before it even began.

Although the crowd attendance was good for most games, the league’s primary goal remains to promote women’s cricket in India and unearth new talent, with ample room for future growth in these areas.

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