BCCI Sets WPL 2027 Auction for Oct 29 in Kochi

BCCI has set the WPL 2027 auction for October 29, 2027, in Kochi—this marks the first concrete step toward a season that could launch in January 2028 if Varanasi’s new stadium is ready.

Brabourne Stadium, the historic home of the Railways in the Ranji Trophy, will host all WPL matches. The venue has already staged two WPL finals in 2023 and 2025, cementing its reputation as a premier women’s cricket ground.

The second city for the league remains undecided: Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium or a brand‑new arena in Varanasi could serve as the secondary venue. A BCCI operations team is set to conduct a recce of Varanasi’s stadium to assess its readiness for the tournament.

A potential option, Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, was floated but will demand extensive permissions from local authorities, so it is currently off the table.

Meanwhile, the IPL Governing Council has postponed a decision on the Impact Player rule to next month. The rule, which allows an extra batter or bowler at any stage, has sparked debate among franchises over its effect on all‑rounder development.

The auction on Oct 29 will determine the squads for the six teams that will battle for the 2027 title. Fans can expect the league to kick off in January 2028, with the first match set to be played once the venue lineup is finalized.