Patiala, 14 February (Sports Desk)
The much-anticipated Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is set to kick off on February 14 , with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Gujarat Giants in the opening match at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara . The tournament will run until March 15 , featuring five teams battling it out across 22 matches in four venues.
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Here’s everything you need to know about the WPL 2025 season:
Tournament Overview
- Start Date: February 14, 2025
- End Date: March 15, 2025
- Venues:
- Vadodara (BCA Stadium): First six matches
- Bengaluru (Chinnaswamy Stadium): Eight matches
- Lucknow (Ekana Stadium): Four matches
- Mumbai (CCI Stadium): Final four matches, including the final
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Format
The format of the WPL remains unchanged for 2025:
- Each team will play the others twice in the league stage.
- The table topper will advance directly to the final.
- The second and third-placed teams will face off in the Eliminator on March 13 for a spot in the final.
- The final will be played on March 15 at the CCI Stadium in Mumbai.
Teams and Captains
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Captain: Smriti Mandhana
- Last Season: Won their maiden WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final.
- Key Players: Ellyse Perry (Orange Cap holder from 2024), Shreyanka Patil (Purple Cap holder from 2024).
- Mumbai Indians
- Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
- Last Season: Semi-finalists.
- Notable Player: Nat Sciver-Brunt (England superstar).
- Delhi Capitals
- Captain: Meg Lanning
- Last Season: Runners-up.
- Key Players: Marizanne Kapp , Shafali Verma .
- Gujarat Giants
- Captain: Ashleigh Gardner
- New Additions: Deandra Dottin (West Indies all-rounder), Simran Shaikh (most expensive player at the auction).
- UP Warriorz
- Captain: Deepti Sharma
- Emerging Talent: Young Indian players like Jemimah Rodrigues .
Star Players to Watch
- Heather Knight (RCB): England captain joins RCB, adding depth to their batting lineup.
- Deandra Dottin (Gujarat Giants): A destructive all-rounder known for her explosive batting and handy medium pace.
- Ellyse Perry (RCB): The Orange Cap holder from last season will aim to continue her stellar form.
- Simran Shaikh (Gujarat Giants): The most expensive player at the WPL 2025 auction, she will be under the spotlight.
Awards to Look Out For
- Orange Cap: Awarded to the top run-scorer of the tournament.
- Last Winner: Ellyse Perry (347 runs)
- Purple Cap: Awarded to the leading wicket-taker.
- Last Winner: Shreyanka Patil (13 wickets)
Where to Watch WPL 2025 Live
If you’re wondering how to catch the action live, here are the details:
Live Streaming
- Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
- Available for viewers in India and select international regions.
Telecast
- Channel: Star Sports Network
- Matches will be broadcast live on popular Star Sports channels such as:
- Star Sports 1
- Star Sports 2
- Star Sports 1 Hindi
International Viewers
For fans outside India, check local broadcasters or streaming platforms that have rights to the Women’s Premier League.
Key Storylines to Follow
- Can RCB Retain Their Crown?
Smriti Mandhana’s leadership and Ellyse Perry’s consistency will be crucial for RCB as they aim to defend their title. - Mumbai Indians’ Redemption Arc:
After winning the inaugural title in 2023 but failing to make the final last season, Harmanpreet Kaur will look to lead her team back to glory. - Emerging Stars:
The WPL has been a platform for young talent to shine. Keep an eye on players like Shafali Verma , Jemimah Rodrigues , and Simran Shaikh . - Battle of International Icons:
With players like Meg Lanning , Deandra Dottin , and Heather Knight , expect fireworks on the field.
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