After staying on the sidelines since the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have finally indicated they are ready to make a move. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that the franchise is preparing to enter women’s cricket, with the WPL identified as its primary focus going forward.
With the advent of the WPL and now, of course, India lifting the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025, women’s cricket has seen a meteoric rise in the country. No longer are Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli the only role models. The likes of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana are the superstars that are pinned as posters on the walls of budding cricketers. The WPL has seen massive growth ever since its inception in 2023. In fact, it has better viewership than the likes of the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League in India.
CSK to play WPL?
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that the franchise is ready to step into women’s cricket, calling it the “first target” for expansion. Speaking at the Invest in Tamil Nadu conclave, Viswanathan made it clear that while the move may not happen immediately, CSK’s roadmap now clearly includes the WPL. After years of speculation, this is the strongest signal yet that one of the IPL’s biggest brands is preparing to enter the women’s game.
“Not immediately, but certainly in the coming years, CSK will expand its footprint. Our first target will be women’s cricket. We may also go into other sports over time,” Viswanathan said while speaking to RevSportz. With existing teams in the IPL, SA20 and Major League Cricket through the Texas Super Kings, the franchise already understands how to scale a global cricket brand. A WPL entry would complete that ecosystem.
Why CSK stayed away from WPL
CSK’s absence from the inaugural WPL auction in 2023 was not accidental. At the time, the franchise took a cautious business call. Management wanted to assess the financial sustainability of the league before committing serious capital. Around the same period, CSK were busy launching Joburg Super Kings (JSK) in South Africa’s SA20 league.
Instead of seizing every chance, CSK decided to study the logistics, expenses, and long-term benefits of a women’s team while preserving the strength of its core men’s brand. Instead of seizing every chance, CSK decided to preserve the strength of its main men’s brand while researching the expenses, long-term benefits, and logistics of a women’s team.
The BCCI has openly discussed expanding the Women’s Premier League beyond its current five teams. Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal, at WPL 2026 auction, confirmed that the board is considering adding one or two new franchises and eventually moving to a full home-and-away format.
WPL teams details
| Team | City | Home Ground | Debut | Owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals | New Delhi | Arun Jaitley Stadium | 2023 | JSW & GMR Groups |
| Gujarat Giants | Vadodara | BCA Stadium | 2023 | Adani Group |
| Mumbai Indians | Mumbai | Wankhede Stadium | 2023 | Reliance Industries |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Bengaluru | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 2023 | United Spirits (Diageo) |
| UP Warriorz | Lucknow | Ekana Cricket Stadium | 2023 | Capri Global |
Cricket
Washington Sundar still doubtful for T20 World Cup, decision likely after Feb 4 bowling trial
