The 2024 Women's Premier League (WPL) auction, held in Mumbai, has concluded with 30 out of 165 female players finding teams. A highlight of the auction was the acquisition of India's uncapped player, Kashvee Gautam, by Gujarat Giants, making her the most expensive uncapped Indian player in WPL history with a Rs 2 crore bid. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, present at the auction, provided significant updates on the upcoming Women's Premier League and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
As for the Women's Premier League, Jay Shah announced that the second season of the league would kick off on February 2 or 3, 2024, in a single area of the country. There is a possibility of considering alternative venues after discussions with franchisees as well.
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“It is decided that we will have the tournament in February, most probably we will start in the second or third week. As far as the venue is concerned, it will be held in one state only so that it is better logistically — what if we do not get two venues in one city, that is,” Shah told reporters here on the sidelines of the WPL auction.
“We can do it either in Bangalore or in Uttar Pradesh. We have so many venues, even in Gujarat, where we have Ahmedabad, Rajkot and after a few years later Baroda can build their own stadium,” he added.
Moving on to IPL 2024, Jay Shah revealed that the auction for the upcoming season will take place in Dubai on December 19. The IPL is anticipated to commence at the end of March, potentially concluding by the end of May or the first week of June.
Taking the T20 World Cup into consideration, scheduled from June 4 to June 30 in the Americas and West Indies, the IPL 2024 season might wrap up by the end of May. This timeline would allow Team India a few days to regroup and strategize for the World Cup mission. The BCCI has hinted at aligning the IPL schedule with the T20 World Cup, emphasizing the importance of giving the team adequate time to prepare.
The WPL auction showcased exciting developments, including the record-breaking bid for Kashvi Gautam. With the second season of WPL scheduled for early February 2024 and IPL 2024 potentially starting in late March, the cricket calendar is packed with thrilling events, culminating in the T20 World Cup in June.
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