Delhi, India: The inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) will be launched on March 4 at the DY Patil Stadium with a historic matchup between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Monday's successful WPL Auction in Mumbai resulted in the full schedule for the WPL 2023 being released by the BCCI.
In a statement, the BCCI stated, "In its first season, the WPL will stage a total of 20 league matches and two play-off games that will be played in a duration of 23 days."
"On March 5, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals will face off in the WPL's first doubleheader at the Brabourne Stadium. Additionally, Gujarat Giants will play UP Warriorz at the DY Patil Stadium in the evening game," the statement continued.
The first of four doubleheaders will take place at 3:30 p.m. IST. At 7:30 p.m. IST, each evening match will begin.
"On March 21, UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals will play their final league stage match at Brabourne Stadium. On March 24, the Eliminator will be played at the DY Patil Stadium. Additionally, on March 26, the Brabourne Stadium will host the WPL 2023 championship match," the statement continued.
Five teams, the Delhi Capitals, the Gujarat Giants, the Mumbai Indians, the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and the UP Warriorz, spent a lot of money in its first season to sign some of the best players on the international and domestic circuit.
Royal Challengers Bangalore purchased India's Smriti Mandhana for a staggering Rs 3.40 crore, making her the most expensive acquisition. Mumbai Indians purchased Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of Team India, for Rs 1.80 crore.
Ashleigh Gardner, an all-rounder from Australia, and Natalie Sciver, an all-rounder from England, were the most expensive foreign players, going for Rs 3.20 crore each to the Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians, respectively.