WPL Auction 2023: BCCI postpones WPL 2023 Auction after Franchises' request due to ILT20 Final, Mumbai host Women's IPL Auction on February 13

WPL Auction 2023 – Women’s IPL Auction: The inaugural Women’s IPL auction has hit another block. Initially scheduled to be held on February 6, the WPL franchises requested the auction to be moved to a later date. 4 of the 5 WPL owners have teams in the ILT20, which culminates on February 12. The BCCI is taking into account their concerns and will confirm the WPL Auction date and venue in the next 48 hours. Follow WPL 2023 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN

“Auction will be held in Mumbai on 13th Feb. Franchises are comfortable with the date and location and it is easier for the BCCI as well to arrange for logistics in Mumbai. Official announcments will be made soon”, confirmed the top BCCI official.

Also Read: Lucknow Warriors WPL 2023: Capri Global reveal Women’s IPL team name, Lucknow Franchise to be known ‘Lucknow Warriors’ – Check out

WPL Auction 2023: BCCI postpones WPL 2023 Auction after Franchises’ request due to ILT20 Final, Mumbai to host Women’s IPL Auction on February 13 – Follow LIVE Updates

As per multiple reports, the BCCI postponed the inaugural WPL Auction for the second week of February. The BCCI had initially planned for a February 6 auction, but the franchise owners have requested a change in date. The Indian cricket board has currently shortlisted Delhi and Mumbai as two venues, for February 11 and February 13 respectively.

The reason behind the delay is four out of the five WPL team owners have franchises in the ILT20. Simultaneously, Delhi and Mumbai also have teams in the SA20. Both leagues culminate on February 12 and 13. The Indian cricket board meanwhile had trouble finding a hotel given the marriage season in India. BCCI has hotels booked in Delhi (11th February) and Mumbai (13th February). A decision on the date and venue is expected in the next 48 hours.

Why was the WPL Auction 2023 postponed?

The BCCI had earlier earmarked February 6 as the date of the auction.
However, the franchises have requested it to be delayed with BCCI set to make a call in 48 hours.
Four of the 5 WPL teams are involved in the ILT20.
The ILT20 Final is set to be held on February 12.
Furthermore, the owners have had little time to pick out their coaching staff.
As of now, only Gujarat Giants have confirmed adding Mithali Raj as a mentor.
The BCCI thus will hold the auction on February 11 in Delhi or February 13 in Mumbai

WPL Auction 2023: BCCI postpones WPL 2023 Auction after Franchises’ request due to ILT20 Final, Mumbai to host Women’s IPL Auction on February 13 – Follow LIVE Updates

Another reason for the delay is that franchises have hardly had time to pick their support staff. BCCI announced the WPL teams on January 25, and it has been less than a week for the franchises to pick their staff. With support staff key in making auction table decisions, the BCCI seems to have to give into the franchise’s request.

The auction in the second week will leave the franchises with just over three weeks before the season kicks off. The BCCI have marked a March 4 to March 26 window for the Women’s IPL. Mumbai is likely to host all games across three stadiums like the 2022 IPL where Pune also hosted a handful of games.

Viacom18 purchased the WPL media Rights for Rs 951 Cr. In terms of teams, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Capitals have hopped across from the IPL. Adani Sportsline and Capri Global meanwhile are the new additions to the Indian franchise cricket model.