The much-awaited Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to launch its third edition, with teams scheduled to announce their retention and release lists by November 7. The auction date remains unconfirmed, and the tournament is expected to take place in its usual February-March window, unlike future editions, which, according to the Women’s Future Tour Programs, will be held in January starting in 2026. On that note, let us check out the WPL retention rules for the upcoming edition.
WPL retention rules explained
As per the WPL retention rules, each franchise is allowed to have a squad of 18 members with six overseas players. The BCCI will conduct a mini Women’s Premier League auction, but the dates are not confirmed as yet. The WPL auction purse for the upcoming edition is Rs 15 crore. It has been increased from Rs 12 crore in season one to Rs 13.5 crore last season.
As per reports, after the third season next year, there may be a mega-auction and a new team could be added, and the BCCI, like for the IPL, will have to come up with a retention policy for the WPL as well. Currently, there are only five teams.
WPL 2025 start date
The BCCI has not exactly clarified where and when the third season will be held, but it is expected to be in the same window of February-March when the first two seasons were conducted. The WPL 2025 are not known so far. However, just like the second edition, the BCCI may opt to hold the third edition also at two venues. The second edition of the WPL was held in Bengaluru and New Delhi. On the other hand, the first season was entirely conducted in Mumbai.
Speaking about the participants, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and UP Warriorz are the five teams for the upcoming WPL edition.
