Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most celebrated and successful franchises in Indian cricket, is finally ready to step into women’s cricket. After remaining absent since the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that the franchise’s roadmap now includes participation in the WPL. 

Women’s cricket in India has witnessed immense growth over the past few years. The introduction of the WPL in 2023, followed by India’s historic Women’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2025, has drawn immense interest. Players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana have become household names, inspiring a new generation of cricketers. The WPL’s rise is reflected in its viewership numbers, which have surpassed major global sporting leagues such as the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League in India.

Speaking at the Invest in Tamil Nadu conclave, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that women’s cricket is the franchise’s first target for expansion. Although he clarified that CSK will not enter the WPL immediately, he emphasised that the franchise is actively planning to invest in the women’s game in the coming years.

“Not immediately, but certainly in the coming years, CSK will expand its footprint. Our first target will be women’s cricket. We may also go into other sports over time,” Viswanathan said.

Parth Jindal reveals BCCI considering WPL expansion

Currently, the WPL features five teams, Mumbai Indians, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Delhi Capitals, the Gujarat Giants, and the UP Warriorz. Several major IPL franchises, including CSK, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, are yet to field women’s teams. 

With teams already competing in the IPL, SA20, and Major League Cricket through the Texas Super Kings, CSK have shown their ability to build and scale globally. A WPL franchise would complete that structure and allow CSK to extend its legacy into women’s cricket.

Meanwhile, during the WPL auction, Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal revealed that the board is considering league expansion. The long-term goal includes adding new teams and eventually moving to a full home-and-away format, replacing the current caravan-style tournament. Such an expansion would open the door for franchises like CSK to formally enter the competition.

“I think we would love to see the WPL home and away as well. The caravan format is okay, but it is not ideal. The window is very short right now, which is why the BCCI has to fit the WPL into this period. I hope we get a bigger and longer window going forward,” Jindal said during the auction in 2025.