In the email, BCCI chief executive officer Hemang Amin also confirmed the player auction for February 13 in Mumbai. Amin said 1500 players had registered and the final list would be released later this week. A maximum of 90 players can be bought at the auction, with each squad ranging between 15 and 18 players.

The start date of March 4 means that the WPL will begin eight days after the Women's T20 World Cup ends on February 26 in South Africa. To reduce the logistical challenges for players and coaches travelling from South Africa to India, BCCI decided to limit the first season to Mumbai.

The WPL has already made headlines for becoming the most lucrative tournament in women's cricket based on the money earned by the BCCI from the sale of media rights and the franchise ownership rights.

More to follow ...