Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal has made significant revelations about the future of the Women's Premier League, predicting the addition of one or two new teams in the near future that could transform the tournament's format.
WPL Format Changes on the Horizon
Jindal expressed strong optimism about the WPL moving away from its current caravan model to a more traditional home-and-away format similar to the Indian Premier League. The WPL has followed the caravan approach for its first three seasons and the upcoming fourth edition, where all matches are concentrated in two to four cities rather than teams playing at their home venues.
The fourth season of WPL is scheduled to take place in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara from January 9, continuing the caravan pattern that has characterized the tournament since its inception. However, Jindal believes this format is temporary and suboptimal for long-term growth.
Owner's Vision for Women's Cricket
In candid comments to PTI, Jindal stated, "We would love to see the WPL home and away as well, this caravan format is okay, but it's not ideal." He acknowledged the logistical challenges facing the BCCI but expressed confidence that the cricket board is actively working on solutions.
The Delhi Capitals owner highlighted the connection between team expansion and format changes, noting that "it is imminent that either one or two new teams will come in at some point." He suggested that the current short cycle featuring two WPL tournaments within 14 months might be part of a broader strategy leading to expansion.
World Cup Victory Boosts WPL Prospects
Jindal connected India's recent Women's ODI World Cup victory to increased interest in women's cricket, drawing a powerful historical parallel. He described the 2025 World Cup win as "the 1983 movement for women's cricket," referencing the men's team's iconic World Cup victory that transformed cricket in India.
The franchise owner expressed satisfaction with his early investment in women's cricket, stating that "three years ago, we all owners took a leap of faith into the women's game and we're so thrilled that we did that." He predicted unprecedented interest in the upcoming WPL season, fueled by the national team's international success.
Jindal emphasized that moving to a home-and-away format would be "ideal for the fans, for the game, and for the growth of the WPL," suggesting that the current caravan model serves as a temporary arrangement while the tournament establishes itself and prepares for expansion.
