Women’s cricket in Delhi is scaling new heights, and the latest testament to its rapid progress is the confirmation of squads for the second season of the DPL (Delhi Premier League) Women’s edition.
Following a high-octane auction and strategic retention, four franchises, Central Delhi Queens, North Delhi Strikers, East Delhi Riders, and South Delhi Superstarz, have fortified their line-ups with a vibrant blend of youth and experience. Here’s a team-wise breakdown of how teams fared in the auctions.
Central Delhi Queens: Eyeing Consistency with Smart Retentions
The Central Delhi Queens have demonstrated shrewd tactics in assembling a potent squad for Season 2. The retention of Deeksha Sharma set a solid foundation, which was further reinforced by bringing in experienced campaigner Monika for INR 10 lakh. Monika’s all-round abilities were on display last season when she tallied 41 runs in four innings for the North Delhi Strikers, and her move to the Queens gives them a much-needed seasoned head in the middle order.
Equally significant was the use of the Right to Match (RTM) card to reclaim promising spinner Parunika Sisodia. Although Parunika’s wicket tally in the previous edition was modest, with a couple of wickets to her name, her ability to break partnerships will be vital in a tournament famed for closely contested games.
This blend of stability and calculated aggressiveness makes the Queens a formidable contender as they chase their maiden DPL Women’s title.
Squad for WDPL 2025:
TBC
North Delhi Strikers: Retaining Firepower, Adding Bowling Class
Last year’s North Delhi Strikers boasted some of the most eye-catching performances in the DPL Women’s history. They’ve locked in tournament stalwart Upasana Yadav, the headline act of the inaugural edition, with a staggering 270 runs in just four innings, which included a stunning unbeaten century and two fifties. Her presence alone elevates the team’s batting credentials.
The big story from the auction, however, was the re-acquisition of Nazma, the leading wicket-taker from last season, bagging 7 wickets in four matches. Nazma’s game-changing abilities were the subject of intense bidding between the Queens and Superstarz before the Strikers used their RTM to bring her back. Not just a threat with the ball, Nazma added 44 runs in four innings with the bat last year, underlining her all-round value.
With their core intact and their bowling further bolstered, the Strikers look set to pose a significant challenge for the title.
Squad for WDPL 2025:
Upasana Yadav, Nazma, Samaira Raghav, Anshu Nagar, Laxmi Yadav, Ayushi Soni, Ria Sharma, Riti Tomar, Reshika Beniwal, Aarti Kumari, Archana, Armeet Kaur, Hanaya, Harshita, Ananya, Manisha, Pari Sharma, Shivani Jangid, Shweta Singh
East Delhi Riders: Experience Meets Exciting Youth
The East Delhi Riders have opted for continuity and fresh blood in equal measure. Their decision to retain the experienced India international Priya Punia, the team’s second-highest run-scorer in the inaugural season (75 runs in just two outings), brings solidity and calm to the top order.
Their auction strategy revolved around investing in talented all-rounder Purva Siwach (INR 9.75 lakh) and left-arm pacer Pragya Rawat, both of whom are regarded as rising stars. Purva’s potential as a match-winner is seen as a major factor in the Riders’ playoff ambitions. The team’s smart mix of seasoned campaigners and young prospects gives them enviable depth in both batting and bowling departments.
With Priya Punia’s experience guiding the flock and exciting new additions ready to step up, the Riders will be confident of improving on their previous outing.
Squad for WDPL 2025:
Priya Punia, Pragya Rawat, Mayuri Singh, Vanshika Lila, Priyanshi, Nilanchal Nerwal, Meenakshi Vashishat, Hridaya Sharma, Neha Chillar, Tannu Yadav, Bharti Rawal, Sumiti Soni, Madhu, Purva Siwach, Aarna Dudeja Sonakshi, Urvashi Gupta, Aashi Saxena, Hansika, Kanishka, Tushika
South Delhi Superstarz: Youthful Punch with a Proven Core
The South Delhi Superstarz have doubled down on youth while staying anchored by their key performer, Shweta Sehrawat. Retained ahead of the auction, Sehrawat was the team’s second-highest run-scorer (and fifth overall in the league) in the inaugural edition, with 92 runs across four innings, providing much-needed stability at the top.
Their most eye-catching auction buy was Tanisha Singh (INR 13 lakh), last season’s third-highest run-scorer with 121 runs in four innings, and also the third-highest wicket-taker with 5 wickets from her four matches. Her dual abilities make her a cornerstone of the Superstarz’s campaign.
Adding further batting depth is Ekta Bhadana, who notched up 35 runs in three innings last season. Together, this young core, complemented by fresh picks, signals a clear Superstarz intent: to construct a dynamic, fearless squad capable of shaking up the title race.
Squad for WDPL 2025:
TBC
The Big Picture: DPL Driving a New Era for Delhi Women’s Cricket
As DDCA President Rohan Jaitley aptly put it: “The DPL has been one of the few leagues to include a women’s edition from the start. This season, we’ve expanded participation and strengthened the domestic structure. Over 600 girls took part in our recent club-level tournament, a big step for women’s cricket in Delhi.”
This year’s competitive squads and spirited auction, powered by the participation of marquee players and breakout stars, highlight the league’s growing stature. With plans for further expansion, more teams, more players, more matches, the DPL Women’s league is not just raising the bar in Delhi but is poised to be a blueprint for women’s domestic T20 cricket nationwide.
As the stage is set for another electrifying season, keep your eyes on these teams. Delhi’s next generation of stars is ready to steal the show.
