WPL 2026 is expected to start in early January, with January 7 likely as the opening date. BCCI is finalising venues, with Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, and Vadodara in contention. Final confirmation may come during the WPL mega auction on November 27.
The 2026 season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is poised to begin in early January, marking a significant shift from its usual February–March window. According to sources familiar with the development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is finalising dates, with January 7 emerging as the frontrunner for the season opener. January 6 and January 8 are also being discussed as alternative options.
The tentative window places the WPL 2026 final between February 1 and 3, though the official closing date will be confirmed once the schedule of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is released. The men’s global tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the WPL finale is expected to be held at least five days prior to the World Cup’s start. This move aims to ensure a smooth transition between two major cricketing spectacles and maximise audience engagement across formats.
If confirmed, this will be the first edition of the WPL to be held in the January window, aligning with the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). The shift is part of a broader calendar readjustment intended to streamline scheduling of women’s and men’s cricket in a packed international season.
Mumbai, Vadodara, and Navi Mumbai in Strong Contention for Hosting Duties
During informal discussions before the final of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, which India won by 52 runs against Australia at the DY Patil Stadium, BCCI officials deliberated on two major venue options for WPL 2026.
Option 1: DY Patil Stadium + Brabourne Stadium
One proposal is to hold the entire tournament across two iconic Mumbai venues—the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the Brabourne Stadium in South Mumbai. Both grounds have previously hosted high-profile women’s cricket events and were instrumental during WPL 2025, which concluded with Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians clinching their second title.
Option 2: Split Season Between Navi Mumbai and Vadodara
Another option being seriously considered is splitting the tournament into two legs. Under this plan, the first half would take place in Navi Mumbai, while the second half, including the playoffs, would shift to the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
The rationale for involving Vadodara is tied to its rapidly rising status as an international cricket destination. The Kotambi Stadium is scheduled to host the opening match of the India–New Zealand men’s ODI series on January 11, which aligns neatly with WPL scheduling. This overlap increases the logistical feasibility of keeping teams, broadcasters, and officials in consolidated travel circuits.
A senior official from the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) expressed optimism about the city’s chances, saying:
“Chances are very good for Vadodara to be the additional venue for WPL 2026. Everyone is just waiting for the confirmation and the schedule. Many people are calling, including WPL team owners. We are keeping our fingers crossed and awaiting the official announcement.”
Sources noted that the final decision on venues may be revealed during the WPL 2026 Mega Auction, scheduled for November 27 in New Delhi. The auction is expected to draw immense attention as teams prepare to rebuild or reinforce their lineups ahead of what is projected to be the most strategically timed WPL season yet.
Return of Champions & Growing Fan Base
The 2025 season saw Mumbai Indians dominate once again, lifting their second WPL title at Brabourne Stadium. Their back-to-back victories have not only elevated the franchise’s reputation but also intensified fan rivalry ahead of WPL 2026.
Teams such as Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Giants are expected to make significant adjustments during the mega auction, aiming to break MI’s stronghold on the league.
Industry experts believe that hosting the tournament in January could boost stadium attendance and television viewership, as the event will face fewer clashes with other major sporting events globally. It may also provide players better preparation time ahead of international commitments scheduled later in the year.
Awaiting Final Announcement
With the start date, venue line-up, and auction excitement building simultaneously, WPL 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark season for women’s cricket in India. The official announcement is expected soon, and stakeholders across franchises, broadcasting networks, and local associations are on standby.
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