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As per a report by Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended the Women's Premier League (WPL) retention deadline to November 7. Previously, the deadline for the franchises to announce their retained players list was October 15. However, on Tuesday, the apex board intimated the franchises about the extension.
Interestingly, October 15 was the retention deadline in 2023 as well. It saw 60 players, including 21 overseas cricketers, being retained by five franchises.
The WPL 2025 mini-auction will take place based on the retentions announced by the franchises, with the auction purse set to increase to INR 15 crores. Notably, after the 2025 season, there is a possibility of a mega-auction and the addition of a new team. Currently, WPL is a five-team tournament, consisting of Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and UP Warriorz.
The Bengaluru-based franchise, led by Smriti Mandhana won its maiden title in the last season. They chased down the target of 114 to win the final by eight wickets against the Capitals.
"WPL has given us a strong base to find players" - Amol Muzumdar
Indian women's team head coach Amol Muzumdar feels the first two editions of WPL have helped them identify the depth of talent across the country. In a recent press conference during the Women's T20 World Cup, he said (via PTI):
"I think WPL has been a very successful tournament so far in the last couple of editions. You have seen what response WPL has had. Obviously the stats have helped and we have dug into a lot of statistics and we have seen the results."
"Some of the players that have come into the Indian squad here at the World Cup, I think are products of WPL as well. Of course, not undermining the first-class cricket as well back home, but WPL has given us a strong base to find players," he added.
Unfortunately, the Indian team failed to seal the semi-final spot in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup. They secured victories in two out of four games while losing to Australia and New Zealand.
