Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal has called for significant changes to accelerate the growth of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), urging the BCCI to expand the tournament and transition from the current caravan model to a traditional home-and-away structure. Speaking during the 2026 WPL mega-auction, Jindal emphasized that the league has reached a stage where expansion is essential for deeper fan engagement and long-term development.
With the first mega-auction since the league’s launch in 2023, franchises have built stable cores and are now planning strategically for the next cycle. The Delhi Capitals have reached all three WPL finals under Meg Lanning’s leadership but are still chasing their maiden title. Despite consistent performances, Jindal noted that Delhi has only hosted the tournament once, in 2024, due to the restrictive caravan format.
Jindal stated that while the caravan system has been functional during the league’s early years, it is no longer ideal as the tournament grows. He highlighted the need for a larger competition window, which remains compressed due to international cricket schedules. According to him, a wider window and the addition of one or two new teams would allow the WPL to evolve into a full home-and-away league, creating stronger local fanbases and increasing commercial opportunities.
He hinted that expansion is likely on the horizon, with the BCCI “working on” adding teams. Jindal believes this step would be transformative for both players and supporters, enabling each major city to host women’s cricket consistently and build long-term regional loyalty.
The current five-team lineup includes IPL-affiliated franchises—Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru—alongside independently operated teams from Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. The 2026 season will be hosted across prominent venues, beginning at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, with later stages shifting to Baroda. Previous finals have been held at Brabourne Stadium (2023 and 2025) and Arun Jaitley Stadium (2024).
Jindal reiterated that expansion, a longer competition window, and a complete home-away design are crucial steps that will define the next phase of WPL’s growth, helping it emerge as a major global women’s cricket league.
