Jay Shah and Mumbai Indians. (Photo Source: Twitter)
After a successful auction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, the excitement for the second edition of the tournament is at its highest as the fans can’t wait to see their favourite teams clash on the field. Recently, revealing some information about the upcoming edition of the tournament, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) Secretary Jay Shah said that the T20 extravaganza will start from the second or third week of February 2024.
Shah also stated that the tournament will take place in one state of India. Notably, the first edition of the WPL was played only in Mumbai across two venues: the Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Sports Academy.
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“It is decided that we will have the tournament in February. Most probably we will start in the second or third week. As far as the venue is concerned, it will be held in one state only so that it is better logistically. Logistics are very important for us this time, next time we can figure it [having more venues] out,” Shah was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
Further speaking ahead, Shah also said that the tournament will be played in other cities as well going forward after discussions with the franchises.
“We can do it either in Bangalore [Karnataka] also or Uttar Pradesh also. We have so many venues, even in Gujarat, where we have Ahmedabad, Rajkot and after a few years Baroda can build their own stadium. Basically, it is a joint call between the franchises and the BCCI. We will sit together and we will decide. We will let you know. It will be in one state, that is for sure,” he added.
Kashvee Gautam became the most expensive uncapped player in WPL history
Meanwhile, the auction for the second edition saw the five franchises complete their squads as 30 players were sold during the mega event. Uncapped Indian bowler Kashvee Gautam became the joint-most expensive player of the auction along with Annabel Sutherland who were both sold for INR 2 crore to Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals respectively.
Apart from them, another uncapped India player Vrinda Dinesh was also sold for a whopping 1.30 crore to UP Warriorz. On the other hand, veteran South Africa bowler Shabnim Ismail was bought by defending champions Mumbai Indians for 1.20 Crore while Phoebe Litchfield was sold for INR 1 Crore to Gujarat Giants.