After four full seasons of the Women’s Premier League, Chennai Super Kings have confirmed that the franchise is finally ready to enter women’s cricket. One of the most successful teams in the Indian cricket ecosystem, CSK will look to expand its footprint in the coming years, with women’s cricket as its top priority.
This was confirmed by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan while speaking at the Invest in Tamil Nadu conclave. Viswanathan said that while the move is not imminent, the franchise has clear plans to invest in women’s cricket in the near future. He also hinted that ČSK might explore opportunities in other sports over time.
“Not immediately, but definitely in the coming years, CSK will expand its footprint. Our first target will be women’s cricket. We may move to other sports in time,” Viswanathan said when asked about the franchise’s long-term plans.
Which IPL teams do not have WPL franchises?
Currently, ČSK is among the IPL franchises without a women’s team. The WPL currently features five teams based in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. High-profile IPL franchises such as Chennai, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad are yet to enter the women’s league.
BCCI’s plan to expand WPL
Franchise owners have openly discussed the possibility of new teams entering the WPL in recent months. During the WPL auction, Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal revealed that the BCCI is actively considering expanding the league.
Jindal said the long-term vision is to move towards a full home-and-away format, rather than the current caravan-style tournament played at two or three venues.
“I think we would like to see the WPL home and away. The caravan format is fine but not ideal,” Jindal said during the 2025 auction. “The window is very short right now and that’s why the BCCI has to fit the WPL into that period. I hope we get a bigger and longer window in the future.”
He added that expansion seems inevitable.
“I think it’s imminent that one or two new teams will come in at some point. That’s why the cycle is so short, two WPLs in 14 months. I’m pretty sure the BCCI is planning to add a team and with that move to a home-away format. That would be ideal for the fans, the game and the growth of the WPL,” concluded Jindal.
The Women’s Premier League 2026 season is coming to an end. The final of the competition is played on February 5.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
February 3, 2026