The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is set to be an exciting season of women’s cricket, featuring top players from around the world. As the third edition of this prestigious tournament, WPL 2025 promises thrilling matches, intense competition, and remarkable performances. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the WPL 2025, including key teams, players, schedule, venues, and what to expect from this season.
Introduction to WPL 2025
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is a franchise-based T20 cricket league in India, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Since its inception in 2023, the WPL has rapidly gained popularity, showcasing the best talent in women’s cricket. The 2025 season will feature five teams: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Giants (GG), and UP Warriorz (UPW).
Key Highlights of WPL 2025
Defending Champions: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enters WPL 2025 as the defending champions, having won their maiden title in 2024. Led by the charismatic Smriti Mandhana, RCB will aim to retain their crown and establish themselves as a dominant force in women’s cricket. The team has made strategic additions to their squad, including the acquisition of England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge and off-spinner Charlie Dean.
Captaincy Changes
One of the significant changes this season is the appointment of Deepti Sharma as the captain of UP Warriorz, replacing Alyssa Healy, who is out due to a foot injury. Deepti, a key all-rounder, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team.
New Faces and Rising Stars
WPL 2025 will see several new players making their debut. Notable among them are West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin, who returns to Gujarat Giants, and Australia leg-spinner Alana King, who joins UP Warriorz. Additionally, young talents like Niki Prasad and G Kamalini, who recently led India to Under-19 T20 World Cup glory, will be exciting to watch.
Teams and Squads
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB has a strong squad featuring a mix of experienced players and young talents. Key players include:
- Smriti Mandhana (Captain): A prolific left-handed batter known for her elegant stroke play.
- Ellyse Perry: An all-rounder with unmatched composure and effective medium pace.
- Richa Ghosh: A hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter who excels under pressure.
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge: An aggressive opener with vast international experience.
- Charlie Dean: A specialist off-spinner who controls the middle overs.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, have a balanced squad with strong batting and bowling units. Key players include:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain): A powerful middle-order batter and off-spinner.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt: An all-rounder known for her aggressive batting and effective bowling.
- Hayley Matthews: A versatile all-rounder from the West Indies.
- Amelia Kerr: A leg-spinner and useful lower-order batter.
- Saika Ishaque: A promising young bowler.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals, captained by Meg Lanning, have a formidable lineup with a blend of experience and youth. Key players include:
- Meg Lanning (Captain): A top-order batter with a wealth of international experience.
- Jemimah Rodrigues: A dynamic batter known for her innovative stroke play.
- Shafali Verma: An explosive opener who can take the game away from the opposition.
- Marizanne Kapp: A reliable all-rounder with both bat and ball.
- Jess Jonassen: A left-arm spinner and useful lower-order batter.
Gujarat Giants (GG)
Gujarat Giants, led by Ashleigh Gardner, have a strong squad with several match-winners. Key players include:
- Ashleigh Gardner (Captain): An all-rounder with aggressive batting and effective off-spin.
- Beth Mooney: A consistent top-order batter and wicketkeeper.
- Deandra Dottin: A powerful all-rounder from the West Indies.
- Harleen Deol: A talented batter and fielder.
- Meghna Singh: A promising fast bowler.
UP Warriorz (UPW)
UP Warriorz, captained by Deepti Sharma, have a well-rounded squad with a mix of experienced players and young talents. Key players include:
- Deepti Sharma (Captain): An all-rounder with effective off-spin and useful batting.
- Sophie Ecclestone: A world-class left-arm spinner.
- Tahlia McGrath: An all-rounder with aggressive batting and effective medium pace.
- Chamari Athapaththu: A powerful batter from Sri Lanka.
- Alana King: A leg-spinner making her WPL debut.
Schedule and Venues
The WPL 2025 will be played across four cities: Vadodara, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Mumbai. The tournament will kick off on February 14, 2025, with the defending champions RCB taking on Gujarat Giants in Vadodara. The final will be held on March 15, 2025, at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
Key Matches to Watch
- Opening Match: RCB vs. GG on February 14, 2025, in Vadodara.
- Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals: A clash of titans on February 15, 2025, in Vadodara.
- UP Warriorz vs. Gujarat Giants: A crucial match on March 3, 2025, in Lucknow.
- Eliminator: The second and third-placed teams will compete for a spot in the final on March 13, 2025.
- Final: The top team will face the winner of the Eliminator on March 15, 2025, in Mumbai.
Format and Rules
The WPL 2025 follows a round-robin format, where each team plays the others twice in the league phase. The team finishing at the top of the table will directly qualify for the final. The second and third-placed teams will compete in an Eliminator to determine the other finalist. A total of 22 matches will be played over 30 days, with all games starting at 7:30 PM local time.
Key Players to Watch
Smriti Mandhana (RCB)
As the captain of RCB, Smriti Mandhana will be crucial to her team’s success. Known for her elegant stroke play and ability to anchor the innings, Mandhana’s performance at the top of the order will set the tone for RCB’s campaign.
Harmanpreet Kaur (MI)
Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of Mumbai Indians, is a powerful middle-order batter and a handy off-spinner. Her leadership and ability to perform under pressure make her a key player for MI.
Meg Lanning (DC)
Meg Lanning, the captain of Delhi Capitals, is one of the most successful batters in women’s cricket. Her experience and consistency will be vital for DC’s chances in the tournament.
Deepti Sharma (UPW)
Deepti Sharma, the newly appointed captain of UP Warriorz, is an all-rounder with effective off-spin and useful batting. Her leadership and all-round abilities will be crucial for UPW.
Ashleigh Gardner (GG)
Ashleigh Gardner, the captain of Gujarat Giants, is an aggressive all-rounder with both bat and ball. Her ability to change the game with her explosive batting and effective off-spin makes her a key player for GG.
Impact of Injuries
Injuries have already impacted several teams ahead of WPL 2025. UP Warriorz will be without their designated captain Alyssa Healy, who is out due to a foot injury. RCB has lost Sophie Molineux and Kate Cross to injuries, while Sophie Devine has taken a break from cricket. The replacements, including Charlie Dean for RCB and Chinelle Henry for UPW, will have big shoes to fill.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 promises to be an exciting season of women’s cricket, with top players from around the world competing for glory. With defending champions RCB looking to retain their title, new captaincy changes, and several new faces making their debut, the tournament is set to provide thrilling matches and memorable performances. Fans can look forward to a month of high-intensity cricket, showcasing the best of women’s cricket talent.
Are you excited about WPL 2025? Which team are you supporting? Let us know in the comments below!