CRICKET POLL

The third edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) is all set to take place in two phases across two cities, with Baroda and Lucknow shortlisted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as potential venues. The season is expected to commence on February 6 or 7, with Baroda in contention to stage the second phase, including the final.

The BCCI has yet to officially confirm the dates and venues to the five franchises. However, it is understood that the board has held informal discussions with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA). A formal announcement is expected in the coming days.

Baroda has recently raised an international standard facility - the Kotambi Stadium - and the BCCI wants to hold the WPL at the venue. Inaugurated last month, the stadium recently hosted three Women's ODIs against the West Indies. It has also been the venue for several senior Women's T20 tournament matches and a few Ranji Trophy games. The BCA, which has been allotted the knockout rounds of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting January 9, is also planning to stage the semifinals and final under lights there to check the full preparedness of the new facility.

Since the BCCI intends to host the 23-match WPL in two phases, the BCA is understood to have sought to host the second phase so that it will have a couple of weeks more time to provide the finishing touches to the facility. The final is likely to be held around March 8-9. The inaugural season of the league was entirely hosted in Mumbai, while Bengaluru and Delhi staged the second season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defending champions.

Harmanpreet to report at NCA?

Meanwhile, it has been learned that India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who is not part of the three-match ODI series against Ireland, is understood to have been directed to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. While announcing the squad for the series, the BCCI stated that Harmanpreet and Renuka Singh Thakur were being rested for the three matches, to be held in Rajkot on January 10, 12 and 15. However, it is learned that Harmanpreet's absence is linked to her summons to the NCA. The nature of the injury or treatment that she needs to undergo is not clear yet.