The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the key dates for the fifth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), with the 2027 season scheduled to take place from 14 January to 7 February. The five franchises will first finalise their retention by 28 September 2026 before strengthening their squads at a mini auction on 28 October at the Grand Hyatt Kochi.
The announcement comes just ahead of the Asian Games in Japan, which will be hosted at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin from 17 to 22 September 2026. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will begin their campaign on 18 September in the fourth quarter-final against Japan at 10:30 AM IST. India enters the competition as the defending champions after winning the gold medal in Hangzhou in 2023.
The WPL has rapidly developed into one of the most important platforms in women’s cricket, bringing together leading international stars and India’s emerging talent. Since its inaugural season in 2023, the competition has produced a compelling rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians won the inaugural title in 2023 before Smriti Mandhana guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the championship in 2024, ending the franchise’s 17-year wait for a major trophy. Mumbai Indians reclaimed the title in 2025, while RCB lifted their second WPL trophy in 2026. Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, have finished runners-up in all four editions, an unprecedented sequence that underlines their consistency while also highlighting their inability to complete the final step.
The first major deadline ahead of the 2027 season will be the retention date on 28 September. Unlike previous player movements, there is no limit on the number of players a franchise can retain. The auction on 28 October will then allow teams to address gaps, improve their balance and add depth before the fifth edition begins. It will be a mini-auction after 73 slots were filled during the mega-auction in Delhi ahead of the 2026 season. Each franchise can have a maximum of 18 players and will operate with a salary cap of INR 15 crore.
The previous mega-auction produced several significant deals. Deepti Sharma was the most expensive player, joining UP Warriorz for INR 3.2 crore. Melie Kerr followed, after Mumbai Indians bought her for INR 3 crore, while Shikha Pandey was signed by UP Warriorz for INR 2.4 crore. Kashvee Gautam remains the most expensive player sold at a WPL mini-auction, having attracted a bid of INR 2 crore from Gujarat Giants in 2024. Simran Shaikh is next on that list after UP Warriorz bought her for INR 1.9 crore at the 2025 auction.
The 2027 auction could also be shaped by changes in franchise support staff. Two-time champions Mumbai Indians are likely to appoint a new head coach after Lisa Keightley moved into the role of Cricket Australia’s national development lead. UP Warriorz, meanwhile, have strengthened their scouting structure by appointing former India spinner Neetu David as chief scout, replacing Bengal all-rounder Rajib Dutta.
With the retention deadline, auction and tournament dates now confirmed, the road to WPL 2027 has officially begun. The fifth edition promises another important chapter in the league’s evolution, with established champions seeking continued dominance and ambitious challengers looking to finally deny Delhi Capitals another runners-up finish as they eye their maiden WPL title.
Loves all things female cricket