The 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has been confirmed, with the tournament set to run from 9 January to 5 February across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
This will be the fourth season of the WPL; so far Mumbai Indians have lifted the trophy twice, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have one title, and Delhi Capitals have reached all three previous finals without yet winning the championship. The announcement, made ahead of the mega auction in New Delhi, underlines how quickly the competition has grown into a key event on the women’s cricket calendar.
The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host the opening game on 9 January, setting the tone for nearly a month of top-class T20 cricket. After the initial leg in Maharashtra, the action will shift to Gujarat, where the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara is scheduled to host the 2nd leg games, and the final on February 5.
Moving to just two cities, the model is designed to simplify travel, tighten scheduling and help create a festival-like atmosphere for fans following the tournament on the road.
DY Patil Stadium, which recently hosted packed house international games, offers a high-capacity setting for the early fixtures and is expected to draw strong crowds from across the Mumbai region. Vadodara’s BCA Stadium selection as a venue reflects the city’s rising profile as a hub for women’s cricket and its reputation for passionate, knowledgeable supporters.
Another notable change is the shift in the tournament window. Instead of its traditional February–March slot, WPL 2026 will run from early January to the first week of February, freeing up space in a busy global calendar. The new dates allow players more breathing room before India’s subsequent international commitments and avoid clashing with the Men’s T20 world cup starting from 7th February 2026.
Excitement is already building after the league’s inaugural mega auction. Mumbai Indians enter as defending champions and the most successful side in WPL history, chasing a third crown in four seasons.
RCB will look to add a second title after their breakthrough win, while perennial finalists Delhi Capitals are desperate to convert consistency into trophy at last. With Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz also strengthening, and two high profile venues ready to stage the action, WPL 2026 promises another high intensity showcase of the best talent in women’s T20 cricket.
Loves all things female cricket