Women’s cricket fans won’t have to wait long before the buzz returns to DY Patil Stadium. The iconic venue in Navi Mumbai, which recently witnessed the thrilling finale of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 where India lifted their maiden ODI World Cup trophy, is set to welcome back the stars of the game when the fourth edition of Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicks off in January 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly finalised Mumbai and Baroda as the two host cities for the league’s fourth edition. DY Patil, often hailed by Indian women cricketers as their favourite ground, is expected to stage the season opener and early phase matches. With its electrifying crowd and excellent facilities, the venue is considered ideal to launch the league’s new season on a high.
The second phase of the tournament, including the knockout matches and the grand finale, is likely to be held at Baroda’s Kotambi Stadium. The Baroda leg is expected to begin around January 16, following the men’s ODI between India and New Zealand scheduled in the city on January 11. While BCCI hasn’t officially notified the franchises yet, a formal announcement is expected during the WPL mega auction in New Delhi on November 27.
As for the schedule, discussions suggest that the WPL could run from January 7 to February 3, a window slightly earlier than in past years. The shift is designed to avoid a clash with the men’s T20 World Cup, which starts in early February and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The decision makes both logistical and strategic sense. January offers a clear space in the international calendar, giving the WPL a standalone spotlight and enabling top overseas players to participate without scheduling conflicts.
Fans in Mumbai have even more reason to celebrate, as defending champions Mumbai Indians are likely to open their campaign at home. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side lifted their 2nd title last season after defeating Delhi Capitals in a memorable final at the Brabourne Stadium. With the DY Patil crowd expected to turn up in full voice, the defending champions will aim to make a strong statement right from the opening match.
Delhi Capitals, who have featured in all three WPL finals so far but are yet to claim the trophy, will be eager to make it four consecutive final appearances. This time, they’ll aim to finally turn their consistency into championship glory.
As the WPL moves into its fourth season, excitement continues to grow around the league’s impact on women’s cricket in India. The competition has inspired young girls across the country and brought a new wave of energy to the women’s game. With Navi Mumbai and Baroda stepping up as hosts, WPL 2026 promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the evolution of women’s cricket.
(Inputs sourced from Cricbuzz)
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