(Cricket news) WPL 2023 was an incredible tournament and a massive step for the development of women’s cricket. A lot of people watched the matches in the stadium and at home. Jio Cinema has claimed that WPL was globally the highest viewed women’s sporting event. The success has been very visible and it is just the first year. It is on the right track to get even better as the seasons go by. Mumbai Indians became the champions while Delhi Capitals were the runners up of the tournament. Along with the notable successes there are also a couple of things that need to improve next year.

The WPL’s major role was to develop Indian cricketers which hasn’t happened as of yet. The skill gap between Indians and foreigners was clearly visible. The top 10 most valuable players of the tournament were all foreigners. Some of the experienced Indians have underperformed. WPL was expected to create more options for the Indian team but Saika Ishaque is the only uncapped player who has made a case to receive an international call-up. Hopefully next season there can be more contribution from the Indian players. Majority of uncapped players were playing in front of big crowds for the first time so now with that experience they will be looking to comeback better next year.

Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals were by far the best teams in the competition. UP Warriorz, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Giants were a level below. Next year a more fierce competition in the group stage will be great. The BCCI and ICC should definitely push the boundaries back because the women have shown that they can clear longer boundaries easily. Next season if the boundaries are further back it will be more of an even contest. It will be better if next year the matches are played in a home/away format instead of all the games happening in Mumbai. That will ensure more engagement from fans and a better environment for the team.

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