The auction today showcased a significant development, with substantial bids for two uncapped Indian players.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced on Saturday that the upcoming second edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in February 2024 will adopt a single-venue format, mirroring the structure of its inaugural season.As the convenor of the WPL committee, Shah revealed that the league is slated to commence in the second or third week of February. Despite earlier discussions suggesting a multi-city approach similar to the IPL, Shah emphasized the decision to streamline operations by choosing a single city for the tournament.
“The tournament is scheduled for February, likely commencing in the second or third week. Regarding the venue, we have opted for a single state to enhance logistical efficiency. This decision is rooted in practical considerations, ensuring smoother operations. We are prioritizing logistics this time; adjustments can be made in the future,” Shah conveyed to reporters during the WPL auction sidelines.
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Delving into venue options, Shah outlined potential locations, mentioning Bangalore, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, which boasts cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and, in the future, Baroda with its own stadium. Shah asserted that a joint decision-making process involving BCCI and WPL franchises would finalize the venue, ensuring consensus and strategic alignment.
The secretary underscored the importance of careful venue selection to avoid scheduling conflicts with ongoing domestic matches in various states like Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Ranchi. Shah expressed confidence in the expanded success of WPL in the upcoming edition, pointing to the substantial interest shown by franchises, particularly in Indian players during the auction.
“The auction today showcased a significant development, with substantial bids for two uncapped Indian players. Franchises demonstrated heightened interest in Indian talent, marking a noteworthy aspect. We anticipate even greater success this time around,” Shah affirmed.