The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season kicks off today, February 14, marking the third edition of this prominent cricket tournament. The opening match features defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing off against the Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
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Tournament Structure and Schedule
This season maintains the format from previous editions, with five teams—RCB, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz—competing in a double round-robin stage. Each team will play every other team twice, once at home and once away. The top team at the end of the league stage will directly qualify for the final, while the second and third-placed teams will battle in an Eliminator to secure the other spot in the final. The tournament comprises a total of 22 matches, culminating in the final on March 15 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
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Key Players to Watch
- Smriti Mandhana (RCB): The captain of RCB, Mandhana has been a consistent performer and will aim to lead her team to back-to-back titles.
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Mumbai Indians): Leading the Mumbai Indians, Kaur’s experience and aggressive batting style make her a pivotal player for her team.
- Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz): Recently appointed as the captain of UP Warriorz, Sharma aims to emulate the bold leadership style of her predecessor, Alyssa Healy, and make a significant impact this season. reuters.com
Emerging Talents
The WPL has been instrumental in uncovering new talent, with players like Asha Sobhana and Saika Ishaque earning national call-ups after impressive performances in previous seasons. This trend is expected to continue, providing a platform for emerging players to showcase their skills on a grand stage.
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Broadcast and Viewing
Fans can catch the live action of WPL 2025 matches on Star Sports HD/SD channels. For online streaming, matches will be available on Disney+ Hotstar. The live toss is scheduled at 7:00 PM IST, with matches starting at 7:30 PM IST.
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As the WPL 2025 season unfolds, it promises to deliver thrilling cricketing action, showcase emerging talents, and further elevate the profile of women’s cricket in India and beyond.