In a glittering prelude to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, music sensation Honey Singh and Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez will set the stage ablaze at the opening ceremony ahead of the blockbuster clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on January 9, 2026, at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
This high-octane event, starting as a build-up to the clash, will conclude before the cricketing action gets underway from 7:30 PM IST. The ceremony promises to blend pulsating performances with cricket’s rising stars, live-streamed for free on the JioCinema app/website and telecast on Star Sports Network.
As the tournament unfolds from January 9 to February 5 in a double round-robin format, first phase at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, and second at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, expect explosive batting, cunning bowling, and leadership battles that could shape India’s squad for the 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.
The opening match pits Mumbai Indians, led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, captained by Smriti Mandhana, champions of the second edition in 2024 that ended RCB’s 17-year trophy drought. Mumbai, who dominated the inaugural 2023 season and clinched their second title in three editions last year in 2025, enter as favourites. Leadership remains in the spotlight, with stalwarts like Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz) and Jemimah Rodrigues (Delhi Capitals) steering their sides amid a mix of global talent and hungry Indian prospects eyeing World Cup spots.
Delhi Capitals’ heartbreak continues as consistent toppers of the league stage across all three prior seasons, earning direct finals berths yet finishing runners-up each time under Lanning’s guidance. This edition’s two-phase, multi-venue setup continues to add fresh intrigue, testing teams’ adaptability in the T20 format.
With Honey Singh’s infectious beats and Fernandez’s electrifying dance moves, the ceremony will amp up the electric atmosphere at DY Patil, drawing fans into a season primed for rivalries, breakthroughs, and World Cup momentum.
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