Two Women's Premier League (WPL) matches scheduled this week at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai are likely to be held without spectators due to the upcoming Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) elections on January 15. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was informed by the police that providing adequate security for the matches on the election day would not be possible, as resources are being diverted for election duties.
The affected matches are Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz on January 14 and Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz on January 15. The WPL schedule was released on November 29, prior to the announcement of the election date on December 15. The WPL committee was informed soon after the election date was finalized, leaving limited time to adjust logistical arrangements.
Tickets are currently unavailable for the matches scheduled on January 14, 15 and 16 via the official ticketing platform, hinting at ongoing restrictions for these fixtures. A double-header on January 17 featuring Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru still has tickets available.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told IANS that the board is contemplating whether to allow spectators into the DY Patil stadium for the Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz fixture and the Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz contest, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
The absence of an official announcement from the BCCI regarding spectator access for the affected games could come as a surprise for fans. The opening match of the WPL saw near full attendance, and the weekend double-headers also had strong attendance.
The league will move to Vadodara for the remainder of the season after January 17.
