![WPL expansion planned [Source: @wplt20/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793278789126_WPL.jpg?type=hq)
WPL expansion planned [Source: @wplt20/x]
The fifth edition of the WPL is set to be played in January and February next year. Just earlier this week in Kochi, the BCCI organized an auction for WPL 2027, where nearly 150 players went under the hammer.
Having already emerged as a success story just four years into its induction, the WPL will likely be expanded from 2028 onwards, as confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
BCCI planning to expand WPL teams to accommodate more players
While speaking on the official WPL social media handle just a day after the WPL 2027 auction, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the board will “definitely” have brainstorming sessions about increasing the number of teams next year.
Saikia explained that since 150 players were put up for auction at the WPL 2027 bidding event, only 25 players were allocated among five competing franchises as they reached their squad limit. In a bid to accommodate more players and to ensure that talented players are not left out, Saikia said that it is imperative to increase WPL teams to stay afloat with the growing pool of players.
He said, “There are about 150 players in the fray and hardly 25-27 could be accommodated. Many talented players were left out. So, we can clearly see that five teams are too few compared to the growing pool of women cricketers. From next year, we will definitely have brainstorming sessions on increasing the number of teams.”
Devajit Saikia congratulates 15-year-old Kashvi, credits WPL for World Cup success
One of the highlights of the WPL 2027 auction occurred when the Delhi Capitals Women franchise acquired Uma Kashvi at her base price of Rs. 10 lakhs at the bidding event.
Notably, Kashvi is aged just 15 years to become the youngest cricketer in history to get picked up by any WPL franchise in WPL auction history.
Devajit Saikia congratulated the young Karnataka cricketer, and explained that by adding more teams, the WPL can acquire more talented youngsters in future seasons.
He said, “I am very happy that a young girl of 15 years has got an opportunity to play in the WPL. That is a success. We want to bring more women cricketers into the game and make them part of this success story in Indian women's cricket.”
The BCCI secretary also claimed that the competitive nature of WPL played a huge role in India’s historic 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup win in November last year.
The WPL 2027 season is set to commence from January 14 onwards, where RCB Women will start out as defending champions.
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