Fans will not be allowed to attend the seventh and eighth matches of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, scheduled for January 14 and 15 at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. The fixtures involving UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz will be played behind closed doors due to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) elections.
The decision was taken as a large number of security personnel will be deployed for election duties, making it difficult to manage crowds at the venue on polling days. As a result, spectators will not be permitted entry into the stadium for the two matches scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday.
However, fans will be allowed to return to the stands from January 16, when Gujarat Giants take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the same venue. The BCCI secretary clarified that the “counting day” will not affect match operations, allowing spectators to attend from that date onwards.
“This decision has been taken in light of the Municipal Corporation elections in Navi Mumbai on January 15, 2026. Spectators will be permitted entry into the stadium from January 16, 2026, onwards, and all subsequent matches will be played with crowds in attendance. TATA WPL 2026 accredited media will be allowed entry on both January 14 and January 15,” the BCCI said in an official statement.
Following the announcement, ticket sales for the Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match were opened to the public.
The WPL 2026 fixture list was released on November 29, while the election schedule was announced later on December 15. It is understood that WPL organisers were informed soon after the election dates were finalised, prompting the decision to restrict spectator entry for the affected matches.