WPL expansion: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says more teams will be discussed from next year
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board will hold brainstorming sessions on increasing the number of Women’s Premier League teams beyond five from next year.
The BCCI will discuss expanding the WPL beyond five teams from next year, secretary Devajit Saikia said after the WPL 2027 auction in Kochi. Around 150 players went under the hammer; only 25 were picked.
Key takeaways
- BCCI will discuss WPL expansion beyond five teams from next year
- Devajit Saikia made the comments after the WPL 2027 auction in Kochi
- Around 150 players went under the hammer; only 25 were picked
- The WPL was launched in 2023 with five teams
- The 2027 season is scheduled from January 14 to February 7
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the Board of Control for Cricket in India will hold discussions on expanding the Women’s Premier League beyond five teams from next year.
His comments came after the WPL 2027 auction was held in Kochi, where around 150 players went under the hammer and only 25 cricketers secured places across the league’s five franchises.
Saikia said five teams are too few compared to the growing pool of women cricketers, with many talented players left out after the auction. NDTV Profit reported that only 25 of around 150 players were picked at the WPL 2027 auction.
The BCCI secretary added that the league should spread benefits among as many cricketers as possible.
"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 in a video posted on the WPL’s social media handles on Thursday.
Not only the players but so many other areas are having involvement, right from the coaches, selectors, etc, and various stakeholders are involved here, he said.
The discussions could cover the addition of one or two franchises and other changes to create more opportunities across women’s cricket. Lokmat Times reported that Saikia said the number of teams did not match the growing pool of women cricketers seeking opportunities in the competition.
He also referred to the wider ecosystem, including coaches, selectors and other stakeholders involved in the league. Saikia also welcomed the selection of 15-year-old uncapped all-rounder Uma Kashvi by Delhi Capitals for Rs 10 lakh, calling it a success.
"I am very happy that a young girl of 15 years got an opportunity to play in the WPL. That is a success," he said. He said the league should help more women cricketers become part of Indian cricket’s growth story.
Saikia credited the WPL with contributing to the development of women’s cricket across the country. He also cited India’s ODI World Cup triumph last year while discussing the progress of the national team.
The BCCI secretary described the WPL as one of the leading franchise competitions globally, after the IPL. The WPL began in 2023 with five teams and has kept that format since its inception. The 2027 season will be played from January 14 to February 7.
Saikia said the WPL has come a long way in four years and is now dominating women’s cricket. "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. WPL has contributed to the success of women’s cricket in India," Saikia added.
The WPL can only handle a small percentage of India’s rapidly expanding domestic talent pool because it only has five teams. There would be additional chances for players to participate in the competition if one or two teams were added, and team budgets might be increased.
The BCCI has not announced a confirmed expansion plan or a timeline for adding teams, Lokmat Times noted. Saikia said the board will revisit the league’s structure next year, and discussions could extend beyond the number of franchises to include coaches, selectors and other stakeholders.
For now, expansion remains under consideration. The BCCI is expected to discuss possible changes next year, but the number of teams in future seasons has not yet been confirmed.
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