New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are ready to expand their footprint by investing in women’s cricket. Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of the franchise, revealed that the five-time champions are planning to invest in the women’s game in the coming years, opening up a possibility of CSK buying a team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

The Women’s Premier League, which was started by the BCCI in 2022, is into its fourth season after three successful editions. CSK are one of the most successful T20 franchises in the world with five Indian Premier League (IPL) trophies in their cabinet. However, they were one of the multiple IPL franchises to not showcase interest in buying a team in the WPL when the league started.

CSK have traditionally distanced themselves from women’s cricket, and it was no surprise when they opted against bidding for a team in the WPL. However, Viswanathan revealed women’s cricket is set to be the priority as the franchise looks to expand its footprint. They are also looking to invest in other sports in the coming years.

“Not immediately, but certainly in the coming years, CSK will expand its footprint. Our first target will be women’s cricket. We may also go into other sports over time,” Viswanathan said at the Invest in Tamil Nadu conclave.

CSK are one of the many IPL franchises without a women’s team at present. IPL franchises Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans also do not have women’s teams in the WPL. Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals are the only three IPL franchises with women’s teams in the WPL.

It is worth noting that the Kolkata Knight Riders bid for the Kolkata franchise when the tenders were floated for WPL teams. However, they failed to make the winning bid. UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants are the other two teams in the WPL which are not associated with any IPL franchise.

The BCCI is yet to explore the possibility of expanding the Women’s Premier League, which is a five-team tournament. However, some team owners have discussed the possibility of expanding the league in the future with the inclusion of more teams. Currently, the WPL is held in the caravan format and not the home-away format like the IPL.

Speaking at the Women’s Premier League 2026 auction in Delhi last year, DC co-owner Parth Jindal opened up on the chances of BCCI expanding the WPL in the coming years. Jindal revealed the board has plans to expand the tournament and move towards a home-and-away format with the inclusion of new teams.

“I think it is imminent that one or two new teams will come in at some point. That’s why the cycle is so short, with two WPLs happening over 14 months. I’m pretty sure the BCCI is planning to add a team, and with that, move to a home-and-away format. That would be ideal for fans, the game, and the growth of the WPL,” Jindal said at the auction.