The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have announced their intention to enter women’s Cricket via the Women’s Premier League (WPL) after completing their fourth season. CSK, a prominent franchise in Indian cricket, is set to launch its first women’s cricket program following the men’s game.
CSK’s CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, shared these plans during the Invest in Tamil Nadu conclave. He indicated that while immediate implementation will not occur, the franchise aims to invest in women’s cricket in the coming years.
Viswanathan stated:
“Not immediately, but certainly in the coming years, CSK will expand its footprint. Our first target will be women’s cricket. We may also go into other sports over time.”
The WPL is gaining popularity, creating expectations for CSK’s entry into women’s cricket. The franchise already has a significant fan base throughout India, and its involvement in the women’s league would greatly benefit the competition.
The WPL currently includes five teams from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. While CSK is a major IPL team, it currently does not have a women’s team.
Which IPL teams have not yet participated in the WPL?
CSK is not the only IPL franchise without a WPL team. The Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have also not entered women’s cricket through the WPL.
Recent updates indicate that changes are on the horizon. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is discussing the expansion of the Women’s Premier League, which will lead to the addition of new teams soon.
Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, shared insights on the BCCI’s future plans for the league during the WPL auction. The board aims to move away from the current caravan-style format, where matches occur at two or three different venues.
During the auction in IPL 2025, Jindal said:
“I think we would love to see the WPL home and away as well. The caravan format is okay, but it is not ideal. The window is very short right now, which is why the BCCI has to fit the WPL into this period. I hope we get a bigger and longer window going forward.”
Jindal confirmed that the league will expand in the future.
He added:
“I think it is imminent that one or two new teams will come in at some point. That’s why the cycle is so short, with two WPLs happening over 14 months. I’m pretty sure the BCCI is planning to add a team, and with that, move to a home-and-away format. That would be ideal for fans, the game, and the growth of the WPL.”
The Women’s Premier League 2026 season is nearing its conclusion, with the final match scheduled for February 5. CSK’s upcoming inclusion in the league represents a significant development for women’s cricket in India, reflecting the league’s ongoing growth.
The addition of CSK to the WPL will enhance the league’s development, leveraging CSK’s large fan base and established cricket infrastructure.