Lucknow & Baroda Shortlisted To Host WPL 2025

The third edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) is all set to take place in two phases across two cities, with Baroda and Lucknow shortlisted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as probable venues. The season is expected to begin on February 6 or 7, with Baroda likely to host the second phase of the tournament and the final.

The BCCI still hasn't given confirmation to the five teams about the venues and the dates but the reports have emerged that the BCCI has had an informal discussion among the members & has also informed the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association & Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) the official verdict is expected to come in a few days.

Baroda has recently raised an International venue, the Kotambi stadium, the venue had recently hosted the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. The venue has seen many senior Women's T20 Tournaments played, and a few Ranji Trophy games have also been played at this venue. The BCCI has also allotted the last rounds of the Vijay Hazare trophy including the semi-finals to Baroda under lights to check the preparation of the venue.

Since the BCCI intends to host the 23-match WPL in two phases, the BCA has requested the BCCI to allow them the second phase as they need a couple of weeks to provide some finishing touches to the venue. The first season of the WPL was hosted entirely in Mumbai while the second season was hosted in Delhi & Bengaluru. Mumbai Indians won the inaugural season of the WPL, while the Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the title in the second season. Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals finished as the runners-up in both seasons.