The Women’s Premier League (WPL) may witness an unusual atmosphere at the DY Patil Stadium next week, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) considering the possibility of hosting select matches behind closed doors due to security limitations arising from local elections in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
With municipal corporation elections scheduled for January 15, the Mumbai police have informed the BCCI that deploying adequate security personnel for WPL fixtures during this period may not be feasible. As a result, the Board is exploring alternative arrangements, including conducting matches without spectators.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that discussions are ongoing, though no final decision has been taken yet. “We may have to host those two matches (on January 14 and 15) without any crowd. We are contemplating that idea after the police intimation, but as of now, no decision has been taken,” Saikia said.
The affected fixtures include Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz on January 14, followed by Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz on January 15. Both matches are scheduled to be played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, which has become a regular venue for women’s cricket and is known for drawing large crowds during WPL games.
The uncertainty also extends to the Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match slated for January 16, with clarity yet to emerge on whether that fixture will also be held without spectators. Notably, tickets for matches on January 14, 15, and 16 have not been listed on the official WPL online ticketing platform so far.
In contrast, tickets are currently available for the January 17 double-header, where Mumbai Indians face UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru, before the tournament shifts to Vadodara for the second phase and the final.
Franchises, meanwhile, remain in the dark. When contacted, team officials stated that they have not yet received formal communication from the BCCI regarding any changes to matchday arrangements.
A final decision is expected soon, as the Board weighs logistical challenges against fan experience for one of the most anticipated phases of WPL Season 4.
