The participation of Indian women cricketers in WBPL appears increasingly likely after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) clarified that there are no country-specific restrictions for the inaugural Women’s Bangladesh Premier League. The tournament is scheduled to be held from April 4 to 14.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prevents male cricketers from playing in overseas T20 leagues unless they retire from Indian cricket, no such rule applies to women players. This means top Indian stars are free to take part in international franchise leagues, including the upcoming WBPL.
Over the years, Indian players such as Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma have featured in leagues across Australia, England and the West Indies, alongside their commitments in India’s Women’s Premier League (WPL).
BCB Says WBPL Open to Global Participation
Speaking on February 25, Rubaba Dowla, chairperson of the BCB Women’s Wing and the WBPL Governing Council, confirmed that the league is open to players from all countries.
“We are open to all. There is no country-specific restriction. Whoever shows interest, and whichever teams want to bring such players, they can do so,” Dowla told reporters.
Her statement has fueled speculation about the possible inclusion of Indian women cricketers in WBPL, which could significantly raise the tournament’s profile in its debut edition.
WBPL Preparations Begin in Mirpur Amid Talks of Indian Women Cricketers in WBPL
The BCB officially launched preparations for the inaugural tournament with a coordination meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Dowla revealed that several international players have already expressed interest in participating. However, player recruitment will be finalized only after discussions between franchises and individual cricketers.
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The tournament is expected to begin in Chattogram and conclude in Dhaka. The board intends to follow a structure similar to the IPL regarding the cap on overseas players allowed in the playing XI. However, unlike the IPL auction system, the WBPL will adopt a draft-based player selection process.
Indian Stars Currently on Australia Tour
At present, Mandhana, Rodrigues and Harmanpreet are in Australia for a three-match ODI series against the seven-time world champions. Mandhana was also part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad that clinched the 2025 Women’s Premier League title.
With no regulatory barriers in place, the inclusion of Indian women cricketers in WBPL could enhance competitiveness and global interest in the league’s inaugural season.