The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchises that the Season 5 auction will be held on October 28 in Kochi. The information was formally communicated to the five teams on Wednesday (September 16).
The five teams have until September 28 to decide on the retention and release of their players. Each squad can have up to 18 players, of whom a maximum of six can be overseas players. The salary cap for the current cycle is INR 15 crore.
Meanwhile, the BCCI is believed to have zeroed in on Mumbai and Vadodara as the venues for the season, which is expected to be held in January-February, like last year. There have been suggestions to hold some matches in Varanasi, where a new stadium is being built, but that remains a remote possibility at this stage.
Sources in the WPL say a decision on hosting matches in Varanasi will depend on the stadium’s preparedness. The venue can host the league only after it has been tested through domestic matches, and at this stage, staging WPL games there is considered a remote possibility.
The CCI in Mumbai and the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara have been identified as the definitive venues. Season 4 was held at these two venues, with the final played in Gujarat city on February 5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defending champions.
More to follow…
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