The landscape of women’s cricket in <a href="https://cricket.international/england-set-to-dethrone-india-as-no-1-t20i-team/” title=”England set to dethrone India as No.1 T20I team”>India is expanding rapidly, with state associations investing in dedicated tournaments to provide more opportunities for female cricketers. The growth of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has also encouraged state boards to strengthen their domestic structures.
The recent launch of the Women’s Andhra Premier League (WAPL) is another step in that direction, adding to the growing number of state-level competitions across the country. From established tournaments to newer franchise-based leagues, here is a look at 10 prominent women’s cricket leagues in India.
1. Women’s Andhra Premier League (WAPL)
The Andhra Cricket Association launched the Women’s Andhra Premier League (WAPL) in September 2026. Former India captain Mithali Raj serves as the league’s brand ambassador, helping promote the tournament and its young players.
The inaugural edition features four franchises: Amaravati E Champions, Rayalaseema Zen Stars, Vizag Firebirds, and Godavari Golden Eagles. India pacer Anjali Sarvani was among the notable signings after Vizag Firebirds acquired her for ₹3.6 lakh. V. Sneha Deepthi and Shabnam Shakil are also part of the competition.
A total of 13 matches will be played at the ACA International Cricket Stadium in Mangalagiri. The league offers Andhra Pradesh’s emerging players valuable exposure to franchise cricket.
2. Bengal Pro T20 League (Women’s)
Organized by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), the Bengal Pro T20 League has become one of India’s prominent state-level franchise competitions. The women’s tournament began alongside the men’s edition in June 2024.
The league features eight franchises: Adamas Howrah Warriors, Harbour Diamonds, Kolkata Royal Tigers, Murshidabad Kueens, Shrachi Rarh Tigers, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, and Sobisco Smashers Malda.
Indian internationals such as Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, and Titas Sadhu have featured alongside experienced domestic players such as Mita Paul.
The teams play a single round-robin league stage comprising 28 matches before the knockout phase. The knockout matches and final are played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, giving players the chance to compete at one of India’s most famous cricket venues.
3. T20 Mumbai Women’s League
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) introduced the T20 Mumbai Women’s League in 2026 to provide a structured pathway for players emerging from the city’s strong club cricket system. The tournament connects Mumbai’s local talent pool with a professional franchise environment.
The inaugural competition features three teams — Aakash Tigers MWS, SOBO Mumbai Falcons, and Thane Sky Risers. Players such as Saima Thakor, Sayali Satghare, Humaira Kazi and Hurley Gala are among the notable names associated with the league.
The teams play a double round-robin format, with all matches taking place under lights at the Wankhede Stadium. The competition gives Mumbai’s emerging cricketers regular exposure to high-level T20 cricket and the experience of playing at a major international venue.
4. Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Women’s
The Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Women’s competition is organised under the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and managed by the Gwalior District Cricket Association. The tournament offers a franchise-based competition for players from Central India.
Five teams compete for the Scindia Cup: Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls, Chambal Ghariyals, Gwalior Shernis, and Royal Nimar Eagles. The league also works alongside high-performance programs such as the Dhavan High Performance Center in Gwalior, with former India players Shikhar Dhawan and Saba Karim associated with the setup.
The tournament follows a double round-robin format, giving each team multiple opportunities to compete. Matches are primarily played at the Daly College Ground in Indore and the new stadium facilities in Gwalior.
5. Adani Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL)
The Adani Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL), sanctioned by the Maharashtra Cricket Association, has added a franchise-based platform to the state’s domestic cricket structure. Corporate backing has also increased the financial opportunities and exposure available to emerging players.
The competition features Pune Warriors Women, Solapur Smashers Women, Ratnagiri Jets Women and Raigad Royals Women. India batter Smriti Mandhana has been among established domestic names such as Anuja Patil, Devika Vaidya, and Kiran Navgire.
The tournament is played at the MCA Stadium in Gahunje, Pune, with the winners receiving a ₹20 lakh prize. The competition gives Maharashtra’s domestic players an opportunity to gain experience in a professional franchise setup.
6. Senior Women’s T20 Trophy
The BCCI’s Senior Women’s T20 Trophy is one of the key competitions in India’s domestic women’s cricket structure. Introduced in 2008, the tournament gives players the opportunity to represent their respective state associations rather than franchise teams.
The competition features 37 state association teams, divided into Elite groups and a Plate group. Traditional domestic teams such as Railways, Mumbai, Baroda and Bengal compete in the tournament, which begins with a round-robin group stage before moving into the knockout phase.
The tournament provides an important platform for players looking to progress to higher levels of the game. Performances also give national selectors and franchise scouts access to a broad pool of domestic talent.
7. Women’s Premier League (WPL)
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is India’s top franchise-based women’s T20 competition. Launched by the BCCI in 2023, the tournament brings together leading Indian and international players in one of the biggest women’s domestic T20 leagues.
Five teams compete in the WPL: Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz. The league features international stars such as Ellyse Perry and Nat Sciver-Brunt alongside Indian players, including Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.
The teams play a double round-robin league stage. The table-toppers qualify directly for the final, while the second- and third-placed teams meet in the Eliminator for the other place in the title match. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians have won two titles each.
8. Women’s Under-23 T20 Trophy
The Women’s Under-23 T20 Trophy provides a transition point for players moving from junior cricket into the senior domestic system. Organized by the BCCI, the tournament gives players another age-group platform to develop before making the step up to senior cricket.
State association teams compete in group stages before the tournament progresses to the knockout rounds. The structure gives young players regular exposure to competitive T20 cricket while allowing them to develop their skills against players in a similar age bracket.
The tournament is also an important talent pool for domestic coaches and selectors. Performances at this level can help players move into senior state teams and put themselves on the radar of WPL franchises.
9. Women’s Under-19 T20 Trophy
The Women’s Under-19 T20 Trophy serves as one of the main entry points into India’s women’s domestic cricket pathway. State association teams compete in the tournament, giving teenage players their first experience of structured inter-state T20 cricket.
The competition features group and zonal stages before the leading teams progress to the knockout rounds. Its importance has grown since the introduction of the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup, which has created another route for emerging players to compete internationally.
Several players who later represented India, including Shafali Verma, Shreyanka Patil and Titas Sadhu, progressed through India’s age-group system before establishing themselves in senior cricket. The tournament continues to provide selectors with an important platform to identify young talent.
10. Women’s T20 Challenge
The Women’s T20 Challenge was the forerunner to India’s current women’s franchise cricket structure. Organised by the BCCI from 2018 to 2022, it initially began as an exhibition match before expanding into a three-team competition.
The tournament featured Supernovas, Trailblazers and Velocity and was staged alongside the men’s IPL playoffs. It gave Indian players the opportunity to share dressing rooms with leading international cricketers and compete in a professional franchise environment.
Although the Women’s T20 Challenge is no longer played, it played an important role in the development of women’s franchise cricket in India. Its exposure to international players and television audiences helped demonstrate the potential for a larger women’s T20 competition.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
