The Tata Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, the fourth edition of India’s premier women’s T20 franchise tournament, launches on January 9 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, running through February 5 across two venues, DY Patil Stadium and Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, following the mega auction on November 27.
This 28-day season introduces two Saturday double-headers, a historic weekday final on Thursday, February 5, and shifts to the January-February window for the first time, avoiding clashes with major internationals. Mumbai Indians, two-time champions under Harmanpreet Kaur (2023 and 2025 titles), defend their crown, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Smriti Mandhana ended a 17-year drought in 2024, and Delhi Capitals, perennial runners-up led previously by Meg Lanning, now feature South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt after Lanning’s move to UP Warriorz.
Key Schedule Highlights
The first 11 matches, including both double-headers on January 10 and 17, unfold at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, where India clinched the ODI World Cup on November 2, before shifting to Vadodara for the remaining 11, culminating in the Eliminator on February 3 and final on February 5. All games except early double-header fixtures start in the evening, confirmed by WPL chairman Jayesh George on auction day. This setup navigates a packed cricket calendar, with the men’s U-19 World Cup ending February 6 and the Men’s T20 World Cup starting February 7, ahead of India’s Australia tour from February 15.
Team Dynamics Post Mega Auction on 27th November 2025.
Mumbai Indians eye a three-peat, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz chase playoffs, while Delhi Capitals rebuild around Wolvaardt (₹1.10 CR) post-Lanning (₹1.90 CR to Warriorz). Royal Challengers Bengaluru build on their 2024 triumph.
Complete Fixtures – WPL 2026
NAVI MUMBAI LEG
Jan 9: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Jan 10: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants
Jan 10: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals
Jan 11: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants
Jan 12: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz
Jan 13: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants
Jan 14: UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals
Jan 15: Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz
Jan 16: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants
Jan 17: UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians
Jan 17: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
VADODARA LEG
Jan 19: Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Jan 20: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians
Jan 22: Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz
Jan 24: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals
Jan 26: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians
Jan 27: Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals
Jan 29: UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Jan 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians
Feb 1: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz
PLAYOFFS – WPL 2026
February 3, 2026: Eliminator
February 5, 2026: Final
As the WPL 2026 schedule sets the stage for an electrifying 28-day showdown from January 9 to February 5 across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, fans brace for double-header thrills, a groundbreaking weekday final, and fierce rivalries fueled by post-auction shifts like Meg Lanning’s move to UP Warriorz.
Mumbai Indians chase a three-peat under Harmanpreet Kaur, while Delhi Capitals pivot to Laura Wolvaardt’s leadership credentials, though the Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal, in an interaction during the mega auction, hinted at a potential Indian skipper, promising fresh narratives in women’s cricket’s marquee event. This January-February slot, free of international clashes, spotlights the league’s rising stardom ahead of India’s Australia tour.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.