Mumbai: The stage is set for the highly anticipated 2024 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), commencing on February 23. Defending champions Mumbai Indians will clash with 2023 runners-up Delhi Capitals in an exciting opening match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
This season, the WPL will feature five teams, competing in a total of 22 matches, concluding with the grand final on March 17. Unlike the previous edition, which unfolded solely in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the 2024 WPL will showcase its cricketing brilliance across two venues: Bengaluru and Delhi.
The initial 11 matches, constituting the first half of the tournament, will unfold in Bengaluru. Subsequently, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will host the final 11 games, including the knockout matches. The schedule ensures a league-stage game every day from February 23 to March 13, with no double-header days. The Eliminator is scheduled for March 15, followed by the final on March 17 in Delhi.
The WPL action kicks off on February 24, with the Royal Challengers Bangalore taking on UP Warriorz in the opening match. On February 25, Gujarat Giants will face Mumbai Indians, marking their inaugural game. The Delhi leg of the tournament initiates on March 5 with Delhi Capitals facing Mumbai in a highly anticipated return fixture.
The 2024 WPL auction, conducted in December 2023, witnessed substantial bids for players like Australia’s Annabel Sutherland (Capitals) and India’s uncapped talent Kaashvee Gautam (Giants), each securing an impressive INR 2 crore. Uncapped Indian player Vrinda Dinesh earned a bid of INR 1.3 crore from Warriorz, while Mumbai invested INR 1.2 crore in South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail. Phoebe Litchfield secured a significant contract, being picked up by Giants for INR 1 crore.
In the inaugural WPL, Mumbai Indians, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, clinched the title by defeating Delhi Capitals by seven wickets in a one-sided final. Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt played pivotal roles, with Brunt’s unbeaten 55-ball 60 guiding Mumbai to a comfortable victory in the chase of a 132-run target.