WPL 2027: The under-construction cricket stadium in Varanasi may soon host major domestic tournaments. It could host Women’s Premier League matches in 2027 and possibly IPL games later. The stadium was identified as a possible venue along with the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and Vadodara. This was discussed at a WPL Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.
Construction is about 92 per cent complete. The remaining work is expected to finish in a few weeks. Before hosting the WPL, a Ranji Trophy match is likely to be held there in October or November. That game will help test the pitch, outfield, and other match-day preparations.
The stadium is spread over more than 30 acres. It will have a planned capacity of 30,000 spectators. Its design is inspired by Varanasi’s cultural identity. It features crescent-shaped roof covers, trident-shaped floodlights, seating inspired by the city’s ghats, and facade elements based on the Bilva leaf.
The WPL has traditionally used only a small number of venues. In 2026, the tournament began at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. It then moved to Vadodara’s Baroda Cricket Association Stadium for the second half, including the Eliminator and final. If the Varanasi venue successfully hosts the WPL, IPL matches are expected to follow.
WPL 2027 Auction Likely in Kochi on October 28 as BCCI Reviews Brabourne and Varanasi Venues
The Women’s Premier League 2027 auction is likely to take place in Kochi on October 28. The BCCI is also working on the venue plans for the upcoming season. According to reports, Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium has been confirmed as one of the venues. The second venue is likely to be either the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara or the new stadium in Varanasi.
The BCCI is exploring the possibility of taking the tournament to Varanasi. A cricket operations team will inspect the new stadium to assess whether it is ready to host matches. Since it is a new venue, the board may also conduct some domestic or practice games there first. The possibility of using Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium was also discussed, but that would require several permissions from local authorities.
Both Brabourne Stadium and Kotambi Stadium are scheduled to host matches during the inaugural six-team ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027. That tournament will be played from February 14 to 28. Brabourne has hosted two WPL finals, in 2023 and 2025, but it did not host matches in 2026 because new floodlights were being installed. It will also be Railways’ home venue for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, with three matches scheduled there. Vadodara hosted the WPL 2026 final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Delhi Capitals by six wickets.
IPL 2027 Auction to Return to India After Overseas Stints as BCCI Addresses Franchise Concerns
The BCCI has decided to hold the IPL 2027 auction in India. This marks a change from recent years, when the event was held overseas. After the 2023 auction in Kochi, the next editions took place in Dubai, Jeddah, and Abu Dhabi. This time, the BCCI has chosen to bring the auction back to India. It will be a mini-auction. The mega auction next year could still be held overseas.
The decision was made at the IPL Governing Council meeting on Tuesday, September 15. It also follows concerns raised by franchises. They had expressed worries about the logistical and operational challenges of sending their delegations overseas for a mini-auction. The BCCI considered their views, especially after last year’s auction in Abu Dhabi. So the GC decided to look for an Indian city to host this year’s event.
The venue will be chosen based on accommodation availability for the franchises and their delegations. The BCCI is keeping in mind that it is wedding season in India from October to December. So the choice of city will depend on the availability of five-star hotels during that period. The BCCI needs more than 100 rooms for a couple of nights.
On the Impact Player rule, the Governing Council did not make a final decision. Another GC meeting will be held in a month. A final call on the rule is expected then. The BCCI had asked for views on the rule. Most franchises are understood to be opposed to it. However, some feel it may continue for one more year, if not longer. Some teams have argued that they built their squads with the rule in mind. In their view, any decision to remove it should wait until next year.
FAQs
Q. When could Varanasi host WPL matches?
A. The stadium could host WPL matches in 2027.
Q. How much of the Varanasi stadium is complete?
A. Construction is about 92 per cent complete.
Q. What is the planned capacity of the stadium?
A. It is planned to hold 30,000 spectators.
Q. When is the WPL 2027 auction likely?
A. The auction is likely on October 28 in Kochi.
Q. Which other venue is being considered for WPL 2027?
A. The second venue could be Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
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