Imagine a young girl on a dusty school ground, charging in to bowl with fiery pace and unwavering focus. Her heart beats with ambition, but her talent remains unseen, not due to a lack of skill, but because she lacks a stage. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now set to change this narrative with a groundbreaking new movement.
What is the WPL Speed Queen Initiative?
The BCCI has proudly unveiled the WPL Speed Queen, a transformative nationwide campaign designed to unearth India's fastest emerging women pace bowlers. This is more than just a competition; it is a mission to penetrate the grassroots of Indian cricket, break down traditional barriers, and cataphet raw, untapped pace into the national spotlight. The initiative specifically targets aspiring cricketers in the Under-19 and Under-23 categories.
Fast bowling is a rare and potent asset in women's cricket, demanding immense strength, rhythm, discipline, and courage. Across India's vast landscape, countless girls possess this special gift but are often held back by geography, limited access to elite coaching, and a sheer lack of exposure. The WPL Speed Queen is engineered to dismantle these obstacles through a transparent, performance-driven process that combines digital registrations with extensive on-ground scouting.
Trials Schedule and Selection Process
For the first time, young bowlers from schools, colleges, academies, and local clubs will be evaluated on the core metric that defines a fast bowler: pure speed. The trials will sweep across five major regions to ensure wide access and equal opportunity for talent from all corners of the country.
The detailed schedule for the city trials is as follows:
- Delhi: 5th - 11th January
- Lucknow: 12th - 16th January
- Ahmedabad: 17th - 21st January
- Bangalore: 22nd - 25th January
- Mumbai: 26th January - 30th January
In each city, shortlisted participants will undergo structured trials where their bowling speed will be meticulously recorded using professional speed guns. Their performance will be assessed by a panel of experienced cricket experts, ensuring that selection is based solely on merit, with no room for favouritism.
A Pathway to Empower Women's Cricket
The journey for participants is straightforward and inclusive. They need to register online, attend the trials in their nearest city, have their speed measured, receive expert feedback, and qualify for the subsequent zonal rounds. The fastest and most promising bowlers will then progress, moving closer to being crowned India's inaugural WPL Speed Queen.
However, the vision of this project extends far beyond crowning a single champion. It aims to rewrite the future story of women's cricket in India. It sends a powerful message to young girls that their dreams are valid and that bowling fast is not just impressive—it is a game-changing power. For many participants, this will be their first-ever interaction with professional cricket infrastructure. For parents and coaches, it offers reassurance that structured, legitimate pathways now exist in women's cricket.
For the nation, this initiative marks the start of a robust pipeline capable of producing the next generation of pace bowling stars for the Women's Premier League (WPL) and the national team. It is a definitive turning point—a platform that empowers, inspires, and uplifts.
Registrations are currently open on the official website, WPLT20.com. The country is ready to watch, the spotlight is waiting, and every young girl with speed in her arms now has a chance to claim it. India's search for its next Speed Queen has officially begun.
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of BCCI by Times Internet's Spotlight team.
