Star players such as Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana have become household names, inspiring a new generation of cricketers, while the WPL’s popularity in India has even surpassed viewership of major global leagues like the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of Indian cricket’s most celebrated franchises, is now planning to step into the women’s game. Speaking at the Invest in Tamil Nadu conclave, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that women’s cricket will be the franchise’s first area of expansion.
“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,” Viswanathan said, highlighting the franchise’s long-term plans for growth.
Currently, the WPL features five teams: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz. Several major IPL franchises, including CSK, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, have yet to field women’s teams.
CSK has already demonstrated its global sporting reach through the IPL, SA20, and Major League Cricket via the Texas Super Kings. Entering the WPL would complete its structure, extending the franchise’s legacy into the women’s game.
Meanwhile, during the 2025 WPL auction, Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal revealed that the BCCI is considering league expansion. Plans include adding new teams and eventually moving to a full home-and-away format, replacing the current caravan-style tournament. Such expansion would create an opportunity for franchises like CSK to formally enter the WPL.
“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 added.
With women’s cricket gaining unprecedented attention, CSK’s entry could be a game-changer for the WPL and further strengthen the sport’s growth trajectory in India.
