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Chennai Super Kings Release A Massive Notice On Entering WPL With A New Team – Chennai Super Kings Eye WPL Entry: CEO Kasi Viswanathan Shares Update

Sagar Thapa · 27/05/2026 · 4 min read

The Future of Women’s Cricket: CSK Eyes WPL Entry

The landscape of Indian cricket is rapidly evolving, and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) stands at the forefront of this revolution. Since its debut in 2023, the tournament has captured the imagination of fans, transforming the dynamics of women’s sports in the country. Now, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has hinted at a potential entry into the league.

While the franchise is currently focused on its operations within the IPL, the ambitions of the Chennai-based side remain significant. Recent statements from the management suggest that joining the WPL is a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’, provided the conditions for such an investment align with their long-term strategic goals.

Kasi Viswanathan on CSK’s Aspirations

In a recent interview with RevSportz, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan provided clarity on the franchise’s stance. He highlighted that the team’s owner, Rupa Gurunath, is a passionate follower of the game and holds a genuine desire to see the CSK brand represented in the women’s tournament.

“Our owner, Rupa Gurunath, is a great follower of cricket. She would definitely like, at some stage, when an opportunity arises and if we are able to compete and get into the Women’s Premier League, for us to be involved,” Viswanathan stated. He was careful to manage expectations, however, clarifying that there is no immediate timeline for this move. The decision, according to the CEO, will be contingent on future opportunities and internal discussions within the franchise organization.

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A Growing Trend Among IPL Franchises

CSK is not alone in its interest. The appeal of the WPL has grown exponentially, attracting attention from various IPL stakeholders who view the league as a vital platform for the future of the sport. Punjab Kings (PBKS) have also expressed a keen interest in expanding their footprint into the women’s game.

Mohit Burman, a co-owner of the Punjab Kings, shared his perspective in an interview with PTI. “The WPL has already established itself as an important platform for the women’s game in a very short period of time. The growth of women’s cricket has been fantastic to witness. We would love to own a women’s IPL team,” Burman explained. He emphasized that the franchise’s absence from the league’s initial phase was not a reflection of their commitment to women’s cricket, but rather a result of timing and long-term business strategy.

The BCCI’s Cautious Stance on Expansion

While the demand from prominent franchises is evident, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains measured in its approach. Currently, the WPL features five teams: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants.

BCCI officials have consistently maintained that the priority is to stabilize the current structure of the tournament before considering expansion. Several factors contribute to this cautious outlook:

International Calendar Constraints: The global cricket schedule is incredibly packed, making it difficult to find a substantial window to host a larger tournament.
Player Pool Depth: The board is focused on ensuring that the quality of cricket remains high as the league grows.
Strategic Stability: The BCCI prefers to strengthen the existing financial and operational foundations of the league before inviting new teams into the fold.

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For the WPL to grow from its current five-team model to six or eight, the BCCI will need to carve out a larger window in the international calendar. This requires delicate coordination with other cricket boards and a thorough evaluation of the logistical requirements.

Looking Ahead

As the WPL continues to set new benchmarks for viewership and engagement, it is clear that the interest from powerhouses like CSK and PBKS will only keep the conversation regarding expansion alive. For fans, the prospect of more teams represents a significant step forward for the development of talent in the women’s game.

Whether or not the league expands in the near future remains to be seen. However, the willingness of major IPL franchises to invest signals a bright and sustainable future for women’s cricket in India. For now, the cricketing world waits for the BCCI to signal the next phase of the WPL’s journey.

Sagar Thapa

Sagar Thapa is a senior sports correspondent for The Kathmandu Post, regarded as one of the foremost chroniclers of Nepal’s remarkable cricketing ascent. A graduate of Tribhuvan University, he started his career covering age‑group and university cricket long before Nepal’s national team gained ODI status. Sagar has since reported on every major milestone in Nepal’s journey—from World Cup Qualifiers to the rise of stars like Sandeep Lamichhane in global T20 leagues. His deep understanding of spin bowling and the specific challenges faced by Associate Member nations underpins his widely read columns. Sagar’s work is known for its gentle authority, meticulously contextualising Nepal’s achievements within the broader international game. He has been honoured by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum and his own newspaper, and he remains passionately committed to telling the stories of the valleys, academies, and tournaments that are shaping the next generation of cricket in Nepal and beyond.