Former India captain Virat Kohli has praised the impact of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), saying the tournament has significantly transformed the landscape of women’s cricket in India by accelerating player development and strengthening the sport’s fan base.Speaking on the RCB podcast, Kohli highlighted the noticeable rise in both the quality of cricket and the growing attendance at WPL matches. He said the league has helped young Indian players evolve rapidly by exposing them to high-pressure situations and consistent competition against some of the best international talent in the women’s game.
Kohli noted that the improvement is not only visible to players and experts but also increasingly recognised by fans, which he described as a key indicator of genuine progress in the sport. According to him, the growing turnout at stadiums reflects how deeply women’s cricket has begun to connect with audiences across the country.The former India skipper said he had observed the WPL closely since its inception and had seen a clear shift in standards over time. He credited the league for creating a professional environment where domestic players are now entering the international pipeline better prepared than before.
“One can see the difference as a cricketer, but when the public starts seeing the difference, that’s when you know the game has changed to a different degree,” Kohli said, underlining the broader cultural impact of the league beyond just on-field performance.He further remarked that the WPL has helped produce what he termed “ready products,” referring to players who are now entering higher levels of cricket with greater confidence, skill, and match awareness due to regular exposure to elite competition.
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The WPL, launched as part of India’s expanding franchise cricket ecosystem, has quickly become a major platform for women’s cricket, drawing significant viewership and commercial interest. Kohli’s comments add to growing recognition from senior cricketers about its role in bridging the gap between domestic and international standards.With increasing participation, improved infrastructure, and rising fan engagement, the league continues to reshape the trajectory of women’s cricket in India, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing segments in the sport globally.
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