WPL 2027 Auction: October 29 in Kochi Likely; Brabourne Confirmed, Varanasi Venue in Focus

The Women's Premier League 2027 auction is likely to be held in Kochi on October 29, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun planning venues for the upcoming season. Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium has been confirmed to host WPL 2027 matches, with Vadodara's Kotambi Stadium and the new stadium in Varanasi among the options being considered for the second venue.

The developments were discussed during the WPL Governing Council's virtual meeting on Tuesday. The BCCI is also assessing whether the new Varanasi stadium will be ready in time to host matches in January.

WPL 2027 Auction Likely in Kochi

The WPL 2027 player auction is tentatively scheduled for October 29 in Kochi, according to reports. The date is yet to be formally confirmed, with some reports referring to October 28, so the final schedule is expected to be announced by the BCCI.

The auction will be an important event for the five WPL franchises as they prepare their squads for the 2027 season.

Brabourne Stadium Confirmed for WPL 2027

Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium has been confirmed as one of the venues for the 2027 Women's Premier League.

Brabourne previously hosted the WPL finals in 2023 and 2025. The venue did not host WPL matches in the 2026 season while new floodlights were being installed.

The stadium is also scheduled to host three Railways matches during the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.

Varanasi Stadium Could Host WPL Matches

The new stadium in Varanasi is being considered as a potential venue for WPL 2027. A BCCI cricket operations team will inspect the facility to assess its infrastructure and readiness.

If the stadium is ready by January, the BCCI could consider staging WPL matches there. The venue may also host domestic or practice matches before the tournament to assess its preparedness for a major competition.

Vadodara's Kotambi Stadium is another option being considered for the second venue. Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium was also discussed, although hosting matches there would require several permissions from local authorities.

Brabourne and Vadodara to Host ICC Women's Champions Trophy

Brabourne Stadium and Kotambi Stadium are also scheduled to host the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027, which is set to feature six teams and take place from February 14 to 28, 2027.

Vadodara hosted the WPL 2026 final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Delhi Capitals by six wickets to win the title.

IPL Impact Player Rule Decision Deferred

Meanwhile, the IPL Governing Council has deferred its decision on the Impact Player rule until next month.

The BCCI had sought written feedback from all 10 IPL franchises. Reports indicate that a majority of teams have raised concerns about retaining the rule. The feedback will now be reviewed before a final decision is taken at a meeting next month.

The Impact Player rule allows a team to introduce an additional batter or bowler during a match. While the rule has provided teams with greater tactical flexibility and contributed to deeper batting line-ups, concerns have also been raised about its potential effect on the development of genuine all-rounders.

The BCCI is therefore expected to consider whether the rule should be retained, modified or removed for the upcoming IPL season.

WPL 2027: What Happens Next?

The BCCI's immediate priorities include finalising the WPL 2027 auction date and venue, completing venue assessments and determining whether Varanasi can host matches.

For now, Brabourne Stadium is confirmed, while Varanasi and Vadodara remain in contention for the second venue. The auction is likely to take place in Kochi in late October, subject to final confirmation.