After a successful inaugural season in 2023, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) returns in the latest development in women’s cricket.
Not much has changed in terms of the competition, still 22 games in total and the five teams remain. However, the tournament won’t be base solely in Mumbai, the first half will be held in Bengaluru and the second half of the tournament takes place in New Delhi.
Warwickshire’s Issy Wong returns to Mumbai Indians who will be going for back-to-back titles, led by experienced captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Charlotte Edwards, Mumbai Head Coach, will work with Kaur as they look for more silverware, as she has done with Southern Vipers back in England.
A blockbuster schedule saw the tournament kick off with a replay of the 2023 final, with Mumbai taking on Delhi Capitals. MI came out on top by four wickets. However, there’s still a long way to go, tournament cricket can see many twists and turns.
How many England stars are over in India?
Well, with a clash of schedule with the upcoming England series in New Zealand, Heather Knight and Lauren Bell opted out of the second instalment of the WPL. That leaves six England representatives in India.
World number one bowler Sophie Ecclestone will take to the field with UP Warriorz, looking to utilise her skills in the tough Indian conditions. Unsurprisingly, ICC Cricketer of the Year Nat Sciver-Brunt was retained by Mumbai, along with team-mate Wong. Alice Capsey was on the opposition in the first game as she pulls on the blue and red of Delhi Capitals.
Elsewhere, two new faces were picked up in the auction, Danni Wyatt and Kate Cross who will experience the WPL for the first time. After a standout Ashes year, Wyatt will join up with Ecclestone at UP Warriorz looking to apply her trade and help her team qualify for the knockouts. Kate Cross will represent RCB in this year’s competition, alongside Aussie international and Birmingham Phoenix star Ellyse Perry.
John Lewis will see this as a great opportunity for some of his players to get exposure to the difficult conditions of India while facing some of the world’s top players, ahead of a busy international summer which begins at Edgbaston on Saturday 11 May against Pakistan.
Tickets are still available to see the first encounter of the series. But be quick, Early Bird prices from only £15 end on 12 March.
Over 10,000 sold for Women’s IT20 vs Pakistan
Pakistan Women will be in Birmingham on Saturday 11 May 2024 and over 10,000 tickets have already been sold.
With the Men’s IT20 already sold out, this is your last chance to see Pakistan at Edgbaston next summer and tickets are available from only £17, with under 16s £5.
