BCCI Shortlists Two Cities for WPL 2025; Final Likely in a New Stadium

The decision to shortlist Baroda and Lucknow may also be influenced by the fact that the WPL features five teams.

WPL

The third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to take place next month. The tournament is likely to be hosted in two phases across two cities. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shortlisted Baroda and Lucknow as potential venues for WPL 2025. The tournament is expected to start on February 6 or 7, with Baroda in contention to host the final and matches in the second phase.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI has not yet officially confirmed the dates and venues to the five franchises. However, informal discussions have reportedly taken place with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and Baroda Cricket Association (BCA). A formal announcement is expected soon.

Baroda recently inaugurated the Kotambi Stadium, which is built to international standards. The BCCI is considering this venue to host WPL matches. The stadium was inaugurated last month when India’s women’s team played a three-match ODI series against the West Indies. It has already hosted senior women’s T20 matches and Ranji Trophy games.

The decision to shortlist Baroda and Lucknow may also be influenced by the fact that the WPL features five teams. Three teams have already hosted the league in the past, and now it is likely that teams from Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh will get the opportunity to host.

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The BCCI plans to organize the 23-match WPL in two phases, giving the authorities enough time to finalize stadium facilities. The final match is expected to be played around March 8-9.

The inaugural edition of the WPL was held entirely in Mumbai, while the second season was hosted in Bengaluru and Delhi. Currently, Royal Challengers Bangalore are the defending champions of the tournament.