WPL 2025 Kicks Off: Bengaluru Faces Gujarat in Vadodara Opener
Vadodara is set to make its Women’s Premier League (WPL) debut as the third edition of the tournament kicks off on February 14, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Gujarat Giants in the season opener. The historic city, which hosted an ODI series between India and Australia seven years ago, will now welcome some of the biggest names in women’s cricket for this highly anticipated league.
Cricket fans in Vadodara may recall the electrifying atmosphere at the Reliance Cricket Stadium during India’s ODI series against Australia in 2018, just months after Harmanpreet Kaur’s iconic 171 against the Aussies in the 2017 World Cup semifinal. That knock played a pivotal role in changing the landscape of women’s cricket in India, leading to increased viewership and support for the sport.
Now, some of the same Australian stars from that era, including Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, and Jess Jonassen, are back in Vadodara this time for the WPL. The matches will take place at the modern BCA Stadium, which recently hosted an ODI series between India and West Indies.
The opening match between RCB and Gujarat Giants is expected to be an exciting clash. While Bengaluru, led by Smriti Mandhana, enters the tournament as the reigning champion, Gujarat will enjoy the advantage of playing at home for the first time. The team will be eager to start their campaign on a strong note and capitalize on the local support.
Following the Vadodara leg, the WPL will move to Bengaluru, Lucknow, and finally Mumbai, where the final will be played on March 15. The tournament, known for its high-octane cricket and emerging talents, is expected to provide a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide.
As one of the fastest-growing leagues in women’s cricket, the WPL 2025 season promises to be an exciting journey, filled with intense competition, star performances, and the rise of new cricketing talents.
