The women’s cricket world is abuzz — the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is officially back, and the wait is finally over for fans across India and beyond. The governing body has confirmed the full calendar, and already the excitement is palpable: marquee opening games, intense rivalries, and a revamped schedule that promises to deliver top-class action early in the new year.
In this post, we unpack everything you need to know about the Women’s Premier League 2026 Schedule — from dates and venues to the key fixtures that every fan must mark on their calendar.
WPL 2026 at a Glance: Dates, Venues and Format
Dates & Venues
- The league is scheduled to begin on 9 January 2026 and conclude on 5 February 2026.
- Matches will be played in a “caravan-model”: the first half of the tournament at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, and the latter half (including playoffs/final) at Kotambi / BCA Stadium, Vadodara.
- The 2026 edition thus returns to a two-venue model — simplifying logistics compared to previous multi-city versions.
Format & Match Count
- The tournament will feature 5 teams.
- Total matches scheduled: 22 matches — including league-stage games and playoffs culminating in the final.
- The season opener will be played between Mumbai Indians (women) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (women) on 9 January at Navi Mumbai.
Why the Shift to January? The Context Behind the New Schedule
If you’re wondering why WPL 2026 comes early, there’s a reason. After the success of the 2025 edition — buoyed by strong interest following the Women’s World Cup — the league decided to pre-empt the upcoming men’s global events. Specifically, to avoid clashing with the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, the organisers opted to move WPL to the January–February window.
This strategic scheduling not only gives the WPL its own spotlight but also ensures that players, broadcasters, and fans don’t have to choose between tournaments. The early schedule also means fresher pitches, cool weather in many parts of India (especially for early-January games), and — hopefully — maximum attendance.
Teams Participating — Who’s in the Mix
WPL 2026 features five franchises:
- Mumbai Indians (women)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (women)
- Delhi Capitals (women)
- Gujarat Giants (women)
- UP Warriorz (women)
These five retain the league’s established rivalries and team identities. With the new schedule and format, they’ll aim for top-level performance, balanced squads, and consistency across venues. The condensed format may favour teams with depth, fitness, and tactical flexibility.
Opening Match & Key Fixtures to Watch
The opening fixture — Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 9 January 2026 — promises fireworks, star power, and high expectations.
Beyond that, fans should look out for:
- Mid-tournament double-headers during the Navi Mumbai leg — offering packed matchdays and intense competition.
- Playoff matches and final scheduled in Vadodara — where the championship outcome will be decided.
Given the condensed schedule and only two venues, every match counts — which means each fixture could turn into a must-watch for fans and a must-win for teams.
Full Women’s Premier League 2026 Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
| January 9 | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Navi Mumbai |
| January 10 | UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| January 10 | Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| January 11 | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| January 12 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| January 13 | Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| January 14 | UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| January 15 | Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| January 16 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| January 17 | UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians | Navi Mumbai |
| January 17 | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Navi Mumbai |
| January 19 | Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| January 20 | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| January 22 | Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz | Vadodara |
| January 24 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| January 26 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| January 29 | Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| January 29 | UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| January 30 | Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| February 1 | Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz | Vadodara |
| February 3 | Eliminator | Vadodara |
| February 5 | Final | Vadodara |
What’s New This Season: Format, Timing & Strategy
WPL 2026 brings a few interesting changes compared to prior seasons.
Shifted Calendar — January–February Window
As noted earlier, this is the first WPL season to be played in January–February, breaking away from the traditional February–March timeframe. This strategic move ensures the league avoids overlap with major men’s fixtures and gives WPL its own dedicated slot.
Caravan-Style Format — Two Cities Only
Rather than a widespread home-and-away model across multiple cities, WPL 2026 will revert to a caravan model, with all matches hosted in just two cities: Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
This could help in efficient logistics and ensure better crowd management — especially critical given the expected surge in interest post 2025 Women’s World Cup.
Venue Significance
- The opening leg takes place at DY Patil Stadium — the same venue where the recent Women’s ODI World Cup final was held, making it a symbolic and morale-boosting start for WPL 2026.
- The final and playoffs in Vadodara reflect intent to spread the game beyond metropolitan centers — good for cricket’s growth at the grassroots and in smaller cities.
Key Fixtures & Matches to Watch Out For
While the full fixture list will be available soon, a few matches from the announced schedule already stand out as “must-watch.”
- MI vs RCB — Season Opener (Jan 9, 2026): A high-voltage clash between two strong franchises, this match will set the tone for the entire tournament. A perfect opener.
- Early League Clashes (Jan 10–17, 2026): As the tournament begins in Navi Mumbai, several league-stage matches are scheduled, potentially with double-headers — giving fans a packed cricketing feast in the first week itself.
- Final & Playoffs in Vadodara (Leading up to Feb 5, 2026): With knockout pressure and a championship at stake, the final few games in Vadodara could bring top performances, dramatic finishes, and possibly a new WPL champion.
Additionally, given the condensed schedule and caravan model, every match will carry weight — meaning even mid-tournament games could have major implications for playoff standings.
What This Means for Players & Fans
The revamped WPL 2026 Schedule brings several positives for both players and supporters.
For Players
- Better exposure & timing: January–February slot avoids overlap with major men’s tournaments, meaning more visibility, more focus on women’s cricket.
- Consistent venues & conditions: With just two cities, players get time to adjust, leading to better performance, and arguably more competitive integrity.
- Momentum from Women’s World Cup 2025: Riding high on recent success, players will carry momentum into WPL — which could translate into more intense, quality cricket.
For Fans
- Early-year cricketing action: No need to wait until February–March; fans get their dose of WPL right at the start of the calendar year.
- Ease of following fixtures: With a stable and compact schedule, it becomes easier to track matches, plan viewings, and attend games (especially if located near Mumbai or Vadodara).
- Consistent evening matches & possible double-headers: Good for cricket lovers — more action, more entertainment.
Possible Challenges & What to Watch Out For
While the changes are largely positive, there are a few aspects that could pose challenges:
- Limited Venues — May Affect Fans Outside Host Cities: With only Navi Mumbai and Vadodara hosting, fans in other parts of the country might find it harder to attend matches in person. The absence of a broader home-and-away model could impact fan reach beyond the two host cities.
- Weather & Scheduling Pressure: January–February may have cooler or variable weather in certain regions — though overall this window should be favorable. Also, a compact schedule could mean less recovery time between matches for players.
- Broadcast & Streaming Details Pending: While the schedule is out, concrete details about broadcast and streaming are yet to be confirmed. This may affect fans planning to follow matches, especially internationally.
What to Expect: Storylines, Rivalries & What Could Define WPL 2026
As we gear up for WPL 2026, several compelling narratives are likely to unfold:
- Can defending champions Mumbai Indians retain their throne? Having won previous editions, MI will enter the season as favourites — but other franchises, fuelled by stronger squads and the momentum of recent women’s cricket success, will be hungry to dethrone them.
- Will RCB or Delhi Capitals step up? With RCB’s attacking brand of cricket and Delhi Capitals’ consistent performances over seasons, both stand poised to challenge for top honors.
- Breakout performances & rising stars: WPL offers a platform for young talent to shine. Expect some breakout stars, emerging players to make a mark, and perhaps memorable individual feats.
- Impact of compact scheduling & caravan format: With fewer venues and a tight schedule, strategy, team rotation, and adaptation will matter more than ever — representing a fresh challenge to franchises and players.
How to Stay Updated — Where to Watch, Dates to Remember
For fans planning to follow WPL 2026, here are some quick takeaways:
- Mark your calendars: January 9 to February 5, 2026 — that’s when the action will unfold.
- Opening venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai — good for fans in/near Mumbai.
- Final leg: BCA Stadium, Vadodara — a chance for fans in Gujarat and surrounding areas to catch high-stakes matches live.
- Keep an eye out for further announcements on broadcast & streaming partners, which should
Final Thoughts
The Women’s Premier League 2026 Schedule — from 9 January to 5 February, played in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara — marks a thoughtful shift in structure, timing, and presentation for the league.
For fans: it promises fast-paced, high-drama women’s cricket, concentrated over a month, with marquee matches like the opener between Mumbai Indians and RCB. For players: it offers a clear, compact, competitive window to perform, make an impact, and potentially escalate to national or global recognition.
WPL 2026 represents more than just another season — it’s a bold statement about the growing confidence in women’s cricket, the demand for quality league-cricket infrastructure, and India’s commitment to building a strong, sustainable ecosystem for women’s sport.
As the countdown begins — mark your calendars, follow the fixtures, and get ready to witness what could be the most exciting WPL yet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Women’s Premier League 2026 start?
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 will begin on January 9, 2026. The opening match will feature Mumbai Indians taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
When is the WPL 2026 Final scheduled to take place?
The WPL 2026 Final is scheduled for February 5, 2026. This will mark the end of the month-long tournament.
How many teams are participating in WPL 2026?
A total of five teams will participate in the 2026 edition:
- Mumbai Indians
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Delhi Capitals
- UP Warriorz
- Gujarat Giants
Which venues will host the WPL 2026 matches?
WPL 2026 will be played in two venues only:
- DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- BCA Stadium (Kotambi), Vadodara
This “caravan-style” format keeps the league compact and travel-efficient.
Why was the WPL 2026 schedule moved to January–February instead of the usual February–March window?
The shift ensures that WPL 2026 avoids clashes with upcoming men’s global tournaments, especially the Men’s T20 World Cup. This gives women’s cricket a prime, uninterrupted spotlight on the sports calendar.
Related Blog: WPL Retention 2026
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