The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 edition is set for a landmark season as organisers introduce a refreshed schedule, new venue dynamics, and the league’s first weekday final. Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will kick off the tournament against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on January 9, marking the start of a 28-day cricket spectacle stretched across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.

For the first time in WPL history, the grand finale will be held on a Thursday (February 5) — a deliberate move aimed at improving viewership and avoiding clashes with major international fixtures scheduled later that week.

Two Venues, Strategic Scheduling

The tournament will be played exclusively at two grounds:

📍 DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

• Hosts the first 11 matches, including the two Saturday double-headers.
• The venue recently witnessed India’s historic ODI World Cup victory over South Africa, adding to its prestige.

📍 Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

• Hosts the remaining matches, including the Eliminator (Feb 3) and the Final (Feb 5).
• Marks the first time Kotambi will stage a WPL final, signalling the league’s expansion beyond traditional centres.

WPL Chairman Jayesh George confirmed that, except for the first game on double-header days, all matches will be evening fixtures, ensuring peak prime-time viewership.

Why January–February?

Unlike previous seasons, typically held close to IPL dates, WPL 2026 moves into the January–February window.
This shift ensures:

• No overlap with major international women’s fixtures
• Full availability of marquee overseas players
• Stable scheduling before the men’s U19 World Cup (concludes Feb 6)
• Avoidance of the men’s T20 World Cup (begins Feb 7)

This makes WPL 2026 one of the best-positioned seasons in terms of global cricket calendar compatibility.

Teams Eyeing Redemption and Glory

• Mumbai Indians, winners in 2023 and 2025, aim for a third title in four seasons.
• Delhi Capitals, runners-up in all three editions since the league’s inception, will push to break their final-jinx.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru continue searching for their first WPL trophy despite strong squads.
• UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants are yet to reach a final and will aim for improved consistency.

With several teams strengthening their cores in auctions, WPL 2026 promises to be the most competitive season yet.

📅 Full WPL 2026 Schedule