During the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction, Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intends to extend the tournament by adding at least one new club.
Since its establishment, the WPL has had five teams and has been held in a caravan style, with games played in two to four locations per season. While the league has achieved tremendous success, including record-breaking viewership, there is an increasing need for growth and a more immersive fan experience. With two WPL seasons slated in a short 14-month period, the BCCI is speeding up its long-term ambition for the league.
Jindal, speaking to the media during the mega auction, expressed high optimism that the WPL will add one or two new teams in the near future. Jindal also feels this will pave the door for the much-anticipated home-and-away system, akin to the IPL. The DC owner pointed out that the existing format is not conducive to fan participation. A city-based system, with clubs playing in their home stadiums, would improve fan loyalty and strengthen the tournament’s identity.
“I think we would love to see the WPL home and away as well, and I think this caravan format is okay, but it is not ideal. I hope that and I am sure that the BCCI is working on it. I think the amount of time that they get is very short and that is why they have to fit the WPL within this window, but I hope we get a bigger and longer window for the WPL going forward. I think it is imminent that one or two new teams will come in at some point, and that is why I think the cycle is such a short cycle with the two WPLs happening over 14 months. So I am pretty sure that the BCCI is planning on adding a team, and maybe with that addition we move to a home and away format. That would be ideal for the fans, for the game, and for the growth of the WPL,” Parth Jindal said on the sidelines of the auction.
We want an Indian player as the captain: Parth Jindal
Along with his statements, Jindal stated that the Delhi Capitals are seeking for an Indian captain for the 2019 season. With Meg Lanning departing, the franchise has signed South African star Laura Wolvaardt for INR 1.10 crore, joining players such as Chinelle Henry, Shree Charani, and Sneh Rana. Jindal stated that the captaincy would remain with an Indian.
“We did what we could to get Meg, but Wolvaardt will be a good addition and she brings leadership as well. The spin department looks very strong with Charani and Sneh. We are clear that we want an Indian player as the captain, and we have our minds made up,” Jindal added.
