WPL 2024: Jay Shah Confirms Second Edition To Kick-off In February, To Be Played In 'One State'

WPL 2024: After the successful completion of Women's Premier League (WPL) auction 2024, the second edition of the WPL is set to unfold in India, slated to kick off in the second or third week of February, as confirmed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

Speaking to journalists after the WPL auction in Mumbai, Shah revealed that the tournament would be hosted in a single state for logistical convenience.

"We have decided to hold the tournament in February. Most probably, we will start in the second or third week," EspnCricinfo quoted Shah as saying.

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"As far as the venue is concerned, it will be held in one state only so that it is better logistically. Logistics are very important for us this time, next time we can figure it [having more venues] out,” BCCI Secretary said.

Shah mentioned potential locations for the tournament, including Bangalore (Karnataka), Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, with multiple venues available in each state.

"We can do it either in Bangalore [Karnataka] also or Uttar Pradesh also. We have so many venues, even in Gujarat, where we have Ahmedabad, Rajkot and after a few years Baroda can build their own stadium. Basically, it is a joint call between the franchises and the BCCI. We will sit together and we will decide. We will let you know. It will be in one state, that is for sure," Shah Confirmed.

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The inaugural WPL in the previous year took place exclusively in Mumbai, utilising two venues: the Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Sports Academy. Shah acknowledged that this decision was influenced by logistical considerations, and the BCCI is open to exploring different cities and states for future events.

"The domestic season is going on, so we will have to see - where the venue is available, we will have it. There are [other] matches happening in Gujarat, Chandigarh, Ranchi… it is not the case that we want to organise matches in Mumbai only," Shah said.

The auction for the second WPL was conducted in Mumbai, featuring the uncapped Indian duo Kashvee Gautam going for 2 Cr and Vrinda Dinesh sold for 1.3 Cr.