Ever since the Indian Premier League established itself as a massive success, the demand for the women's version of the competition also rose up.  (More Cricket News)

For a long time, calls for a women's IPL were from a small section of fans. However, India's runner-up finish at the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup triggered a change in how a casual fan looked at women playing the game. Indian women lost the final to England that day, but women cricketers everywhere in the world won. The game's biggest market was now getting increasingly passionate about them. Once this changed, the demand for a women's IPL gained massive momentum.

Still unsure of the financial well being of such a competition, BCCI ran a one-game trial first. Women's T20 Challenge was launched in 2018 as a one-off exhibition game featuring country's top female talent. In 2019, the tournament was expanded to three teams. However, it was still more of an exhibition show more than a tournament.

The Women's T20 Challenge went on from 2018 to 2022 with the 2021 tournament getting cancelled due to COVID-19. In 2022, BCCI finally gave into fans' demand and moved ahead with a concrete plan for a women's IPL. The tournament was called the Women's Premier League.

Franchises were sold by January 2023 with three IPL teams getting succesful in their bid to acquire teams. Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals were able to get WPL franchises while Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad failed.

Adani Group and Capri Global bought Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz to make up the five-team tournament.

Hannan Shahid was named the hero of the match for his spectacular double. Pakistan's five goals, which decisively thrashed China in Hulunbuir, have secured their place in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, where they join India. This sets up the potential for an India vs. Pakistan final, though the two teams will first face off in their fifth match on Saturday.

The player's auction was scheduled in February and Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed Smriti Mandhana as the most expensive player at Rs 3.2cr.

BY Outlook Sports Desk

The first edition began in March with Mumbai Indians beating Delhi Capitals to become the inaugural champions. The second edition saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru overcome Delhi Capitals to win their maiden WPL title.

The 2025 tournament is set to begin from February 14 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Gujarat Giants to kick off the tournament.rich711