As all five franchises gear up for the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL), female fast bowlers in U19 and U23 categories are participating in trials in the Delhi-NCR region under the ‘WPL Speed Queen’ initiative. The aim is to discover hidden fast-bowling talent in these age groups in India, addressing the shortage of pacers in women’s cricket.
In recent tournaments, spinners have dominated the wicket-taking charts, emphasizing the need to develop fast-bowling talent. The Speed Queen initiative, a collaboration between WPL and BCCI, seeks to identify and nurture fast bowlers through trials across different zones in India.
Former India captain Anjum Chopra views the initiative as crucial in bridging the fast-bowling gap in women’s cricket. The program offers selected bowlers opportunities to serve as net bowlers for WPL franchises, potentially leading to national team selection. The initiative aims to create a pathway for aspiring fast bowlers to showcase their talent and progress in the sport.
Former India international Jatin Paranjape supports the initiative, highlighting the importance of talent scouting and its impact on the quality of Indian women’s cricket. The initiative not only aims to enhance the competitiveness of the WPL but also to unearth untapped fast-bowling talent in the country. The Speed Queen campaign is poised to elevate the standard of women’s fast bowling in India.
