This season marks several firsts for the league. For the first time, the WPL will be played entirely in the January–February window, shifting from its usual February–March slot.
Photo: IANS
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set for an earlier start in its fourth season, with defending and two-time champions Mumbai Indians taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament opener on January 9 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the full schedule on Thursday, confirming that the 2026 edition will run from January 9 to February 5 and be hosted across two venues: Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
This season marks several firsts for the league. For the first time, the WPL will be played entirely in the January–February window, shifting from its usual February–March slot. The final will also be held on a weekday — Thursday (February 5), instead of the traditional weekend. The move ensures that the WPL does not clash with major international cricket fixtures, unlike previous editions.
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The opening 11 matches will be staged in Navi Mumbai between January 9 and 17, all at the DY Patil Stadium. The schedule includes two double-header days on January 10 and 17, with UP Warriorz featuring in both afternoon games.
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From January 19, the league shifts to Vadodara for the remaining 11 matches, including crucial fixtures such as Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians on January 20 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians on January 26.
The Greenfield city will then host the Eliminator on February 3 and the final on February 5, both at the Kotambi Stadium.
WPL chairman Jayesh George confirmed the dates and venues on the day of the mega auction, where the five franchise squads were finalised. All matches, except for the afternoon fixtures on double-header days, will be held in the evening.
The early start comes as the cricket calendar intensifies with successive global events. The WPL final on February 5 will be followed by the conclusion of the men’s Under-19 World Cup on February 6 and the opening match of the men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, on February 7.
Mumbai Indians, who have claimed two titles in three seasons, enter as favourites, while RCB remain the only other franchise to have lifted the trophy. Delhi Capitals continue to chase their maiden title after finishing runners-up in all three editions so far. Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz remain eager to break into the title round for the first time.
The Indian women’s team, fresh off winning their maiden ODI World Cup in Navi Mumbai earlier in November, will also use the WPL as an important preparatory event ahead of their multi-format tour of Australia starting February 15.
WPL 2026 schedule
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
Feb 3: Eliminator
Feb 5: Final
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