For centuries, Cricket has been seen as a male-dominated sport. The stars in the advertisements, the big tournaments, and the big domestic leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), everything is revolved around the male superstars. Still, there’s a cause for the argument that women’s Cricket has been in the picture since 1745, but it hardly got out of the social doldrums, thus remaining at the fringes of ICC’s plans. But the times have changed. The women’s game is on the up. It is here to stay for a very very long time.
Money is flowing into BCCI’s accounts. Attendance at the games has sky-rocketed. Traction on social media has increased exponentially. And it’s because of one special tournament- the Women’s Premier League. Abbreviated as WPL.
Qutub Minar Illuminated On the Eve Of WPL Final
Highlighting another incident that reflects a significant change in women’s cricket happened on March 16, 2024, when Qutub Minar was illuminated to commemorate the Women’s Premier League showdown between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Delhi’s iconic monument served as a platform to showcase the WPL trophy, with the captain of both teams, Smriti Mandhana of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Meg Lanning of Delhi Capitals, at the centre of it.
How did Delhi Capitals Qualify For The WPL FInal?
With 6 wins in 8 games, Delhi Capitals topped the regular-season table and got a direct entry into the WPL final. Meg Lanning-led side lost last season’s final against the Mumbai Indians, so the team will be even more motivated to win the final.
How did Royal Challengers Bangalore Qualify For The WPL FInal?
RCB had to take the long route to the final. They finished third on the table, two points and a place behind Mumbai Indians. The playoff was a close affair, in which Smirit Mandhana’s side won only by 5 runs.
WPL Final: First Of Its Kind
The WPL Final can be a historic event, either for Delhi Capitals or Royal Challengers Bangalore. For, neither RCB nor DC has ever won the IPL title, the men’s tournament. So it could be a moment of glory if the women’s team become the first to do it and win the title for their franchise.
