WPL 2026 Dates and Venues Announced

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed the schedule and venues for the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League, i.e., WPL 2026. The tournament will be played from January 9 to February 5, 2026, marking a slight shift from its usual February–March window to accommodate the upcoming Men’s ICC T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7.

This announcement was made by WPL Chairperson Jayesh George during the league’s first-ever mega auction in New Delhi on November 27, 2025. The decision sets the stage for another exciting season of women’s franchise cricket in India, with fans eagerly anticipating high-quality contests between the five franchises.

Also Read: WPL 2026: All Retained & Released Players Ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Auctions

Tournament Schedule and Format

The WPL 2026 will follow the caravan model, with matches split between two venues:

• Opening Match: January 9, 2026, at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
• Final: February 5, 2026, at BCA Stadium, Vadodara.
• Duration: 28 days of action-packed cricket.

This format ensures that fans in both western India hubs, Mumbai and Vadodara, get to witness the excitement of WPL firsthand.

WPL 2026 Venues

DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

• Known for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere.
• Recently hosted India’s historic Women’s ODI World Cup final.
• Will stage the opening leg of WPL 2026, including marquee clashes.

BCA Stadium, Vadodara

• A venue with a rich cricketing legacy in Gujarat.
• Selected to host the grand finale of WPL 2026.
• Expected to draw massive crowds for knockout matches.

Traditionally, the WPL has been held in February–March, but the 2026 edition was advanced to January–early February. The adjustment was necessary to avoid a clash with the Men’s ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7.

Some Key Things To Remember

• Mumbai Indians Women enter WPL 2026 as the defending champions, having clinched the title in 2025.
• They are the most successful team, having won the title twice, once in the inaugural edition in 2023 and last year in 2025.
• Besides the Mumbai Indians Women, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women have won the WPL title once in the 2024 edition.
• Delhi Capitals is the unluckiest team as they have played finals across three seasons, but always ended on the losing side.
• The mega auction held in New Delhi on November 27, 2025, saw 276 players go under the hammer, with franchises strengthening their squads for the new season.
• The auction was marked by record bids for emerging Indian talent and overseas stars, underlining the growing stature of the league.

Impact on Women’s Cricket

The WPL has quickly established itself as one of the prominent franchise leagues in women’s cricket around the globe. By bringing together top international players and India’s rising stars, the league has:

• Enhanced the visibility of women’s cricket in India.
• Provided a platform for young talent to showcase skills.
• Boosted fan engagement with women’s franchise cricket.

The 2026 edition, with its expanded venues and advanced scheduling, is expected to further elevate the league’s profile.

Quick Facts – WPL 2026

As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on the franchises to see how they adapt to the new schedule and conditions and whether Mumbai Indians Women can defend their crown against fierce competition.

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