Lucknow and Baroda set to host WPL 2025: Reports

The BCCI has shortlisted Lucknow and Baroda as the potential venues to host the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025, according to Cricbuzz. The third edition of the tournament is expected to commence on February 6 or 7 and the matches will be held in two phases across the shortlisted cities.

While Lucknow is slated to host the first-leg fixtures, the second leg including the final, which is likely to be scheduled on March 8-9, will take place in Baroda. Although the complete schedule and the venues are yet to be announced officially, it is learnt that the BCCI has held informal discussions with both the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA).

Meanwhile, the matches of the inaugural season were played at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium and the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Last year though, the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru hosted the first 11 encounters, with New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium playing host to the remaining 11 clashes including the final.

Baroda's Kotambi Stadium, which will reportedly host the WPL 2025 final, recently staged its first-ever international game after the inauguration. The Indian Women's Cricket Team played three ODIs against the West Indies at this venue in December 2024, convincingly whitewashing the visitors 3-0.

RCB Women are the defending WPL champions

The Mumbai Indians Women were crowned the inaugural winners of the WPL having defeated the Delhi Capitals Women in the final in 2023. Powered by the home support, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side went on to win the final by seven wickets at the Brabourne stadium to clinch the title.

Despite failing to qualify for the inaugural edition's playoffs after finishing fourth among five teams, the Royal Challengers Bangalore Women bounced back stronger last year to claim glory. They finished third in the points table with four wins and as many defeats in the eight league matches they played.

In the playoffs, Smriti Mandhana and Co. eliminated defending champions Mumbai Indians Women by winning the Eliminator. They followed it up by overcoming hosts Delhi Capitals Women in the final by eight wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to lay hands on their maiden silverware.