Reports: BCCI shortlists venues for Women's Premier League, Baroda likely to host final

The 2025 edition of the Women's Premier League is reported to commence on February 6 or 7. As per the latest developments, the cities of Baroda and Lucknow have been nominated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India as potential venues.

According to the same report, the tournament will take place in two phases across as many cities. Baroda is in the running for hosting the second phase, including the final. However, the BCCI has yet to officially let the five respective franchises know about the dates and venues of the upcoming tournament. A formal announcement on the same is anticipated in the coming days. Based on a report by Cricbuzz, informal discussions have been held with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association and the Baroda Cricket Association.

It is believed that the BCCI wants to host the WPL at the latest international standard facility, the Kotambi Stadium, which recently hosted the three-match ODI series between India Women and West Indies Women. A few Ranji Trophy fixtures and several senior women's T20 tournament matches have also been held at the venue. The BCA has been allowed to stage the semi-finals and final of the imminent Vijay Hazare Trophy under lights. This, in turn, will help them to assess the stadium's preparedness for the future.

The final of the tournament is slated to be on March 8 or 9. As per the same report, the BCA is understood to be keen on hosting the second phase rather than the first so that it gets adequate time to provide the closing refinements to the freshly installed facility.

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Harmanpreet to report at NCA: Reports

The same report also states that Harmanpreet Kaur might be directed to report to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Along with Renuka Singh Thakur, Harmanpreet has been rested for the three-match ODI series against Ireland Women.

However, it is being claimed that Harmanpreet's absence is linked to her being called to the NCA. The nature of the injury as well as the treatment process she would be needing to undergo is not ascertained yet.

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