The spectacular rise of women's cricket in India reaches another milestone this Friday as the Women's Premier League (WPL) launches its fourth season, riding a wave of enthusiasm following the national team's maiden World Cup triumph.

India's victory on home soil last November wasn't just a sporting achievement—it was a cultural phenomenon that captivated 1.4 billion people and announced women's cricket as a mainstream force. Now, the WPL returns to build on that incredible momentum, offering fans another chance to celebrate the sport they've grown to love.

The tournament brings together an impressive lineup of talent, with defending champions Mumbai Indians led by national captain Harmanpreet Kaur opening against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Indian stars Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Smriti Mandhana will share the spotlight with international sensations including New Zealand's Amelia Kerr, South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt, and Australia's Ashleigh Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield.

"In the last three years the WPL has grown in leaps and bounds," enthused BCCI president Mithun Manhas. "With the kind of performances they have shown with the World Cup win, I'm sure things will keep on rising for Indian cricket and the WPL."

The tournament's growth has been nothing short of remarkable. South African fast bowler Marizanne Kapp highlighted the transformative impact of the league: "People don't always understand how important these leagues are for women's cricket. When you look at the youngsters coming through now, a lot of that is thanks to leagues like the WPL."

Perhaps most heartening is the cultural shift taking place across India. BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla noted the changing attitudes: "People never used to send their daughters to play cricket... now I am seeing thousands of girls coming for trial." This represents not just sporting progress, but social transformation that will benefit generations to come.

The financial recognition of players' talents continues to grow, with Amelia Kerr securing a $335,000 contract with Mumbai, while India's Deepti Sharma became the joint second-costliest player in league history at $358,000. Though these figures still trail men's cricket, they represent meaningful progress and growing investment in women's sports.

The numbers tell an inspiring story. The World Cup final drew 277 million viewers—matching the men's T20 World Cup final and marking what the International Cricket Council called a "new era" in the game. Broadcasters reported record-breaking viewership, creating optimistic projections for WPL audiences.

Since its 2023 launch, the WPL has established itself as the world's second most valuable women's sports league after the WNBA, generating approximately $700 million in franchise and media rights. The league's success has been bolstered by progressive leadership, with former BCCI secretary and current ICC chairman Jay Shah championing equal match fees for men and women.

WPL chairman Jayesh George's ambition reflects the tournament's boundless potential: "We should go on par with IPL in the next couple of years."

As the five teams compete toward the February 5 final, they're not just playing for a trophy—they're writing the next chapter in a remarkable story of growth, opportunity, and inspiration that's transforming cricket and society itself.