Post by : Anis Farhan

WPL 2026 Kicks Off With High Excitement

The 2026 season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) officially begins today, Friday, 9 January 2026, marking the fourth edition of the franchise T20 tournament organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The season runs until 5 February 2026 and brings together five competitive teams in a double round-robin format, followed by playoffs including an Eliminator and the final. Fans can expect high-intensity cricket as well as entertainment on and off the field.

Teams Competing in WPL 2026

Five franchise teams will battle for the championship title this year:

Mumbai Indians (MI)

The defending champions, having lifted the WPL title multiple times previously, MI enter the season with high expectations and a strong squad aiming to retain their crown.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB, winners of a past edition and perennial challengers, will open the tournament against MI in a blockbuster clash.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Consistently competitive in past seasons, DC will look to go one step further and clinch their first WPL trophy.

Gujarat Giants (GG)

With a balanced mix of international and domestic players, GG will aim to upset top teams and build momentum throughout the league.

UP Warriorz (UPW)

Led by Meg Lanning, a seven-time World Cup-winning captain, UP Warriorz bring experience and strategic leadership to boost their campaign.

Tournament Format and Structure

The WPL 2026 follows a double round-robin format, where each team plays all other teams twice during the league stage. Points are awarded for wins and net run rate is used to separate teams on equal points. After the round-robin, the top two teams progress into the final, while the second and third-placed teams meet in the Eliminator to decide the second finalist. The championship match concludes the season on 5 February 2026 in Vadodara.

Full Schedule: Matches & Fixtures

Phase 1: Navi Mumbai – DY Patil Stadium

The opening leg of the tournament is hosted at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, with most of the league matches played here through mid-January.

9 January (Friday)

• Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 7:30 PM IST
  This blockbuster opener sets the tone for the season, featuring two of the league’s strongest franchises.

10 January (Saturday)

• UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants — 3:00 PM IST

• Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals — 7:30 PM IST
  These double-header games offer fans back-to-back excitement on the weekend.

11 January (Sunday)

• Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants — 7:30 PM IST
  League competition heats up as teams look to secure early points.

12 January (Monday)

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz — 7:30 PM IST
  Former champions meet a team led by one of the most experienced captains in women's cricket.

13 January (Tuesday)

• Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants — 7:30 PM IST
  MI aims to strengthen their title defence with key wins.

14 January (Wednesday)

• UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals — 7:30 PM IST
  Crucial midweek battle where both teams look to stay in contention.

15 January (Thursday)

• Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz — 7:30 PM IST
  Another strategic contest with playoff implications.

16 January (Friday)

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants — 7:30 PM IST
  An important matchup as teams seek to improve their standings.

17 January (Saturday)

• UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians — 3:00 PM IST

• Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 7:30 PM IST
  The weekend delivers action in both afternoon and evening slots.

Phase 2: Vadodara Leg – BCA Stadium

From 19 January, the action shifts to the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat, for the concluding league matches and playoffs.

19 January (Monday)

• Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 7:30 PM IST
  Teams look to finish strong before the final stretch.

20 January (Tuesday)

• Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians — 7:30 PM IST
  Title contenders clash mid-week.

22 January (Thursday)

• Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz — 7:30 PM IST
  A key fixture impacting final standings.

24 January (Saturday)

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals — 7:30 PM IST
  Top teams battle for positioning.

26 January (Monday)

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians — 7:30 PM IST
  A high-profile matchup on Republic Day.

27 January (Tuesday)

• Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals — 7:30 PM IST
  Teams aim to peak before the final week.

29 January (Thursday)

• UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 7:30 PM IST
  A strategic clash late in the league.

30 January (Friday)

• Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians — 7:30 PM IST
  An important matchup as the tournament nears playoffs.

1 February (Sunday)

• Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz — 7:30 PM IST
  Final league game for both teams.

3 February (Tuesday)

• Eliminator — 7:30 PM IST
  Playoff match between second and third-placed teams.

5 February (Thursday)

• Final — 7:30 PM IST
  The season’s championship match concludes the WPL 2026.

Opening Ceremony & Festivities

Before the first ball is bowled, the WPL 2026 season is celebrated with a grand opening ceremony at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The event features performances by Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Harnaaz Sandhu, combining entertainment with cricket excitement and setting the tone for an action-packed season.

Where to Watch: Telecast & Live Streaming

Television Broadcast

All WPL 2026 matches are broadcast live in India on the Star Sports Network, giving cricket fans extensive coverage across multiple channels.

Live Streaming

Fans can stream every match live through the Jio Hotstar app and website, ensuring mobile and digital access to all fixtures as they unfold.

International audiences can check regional broadcasting partners or online streaming rights in their territories via official WPL platforms and partner networks.

Key Players & Captains to Watch

With squads reshaped after a mega auction held in November 2025, WPL 2026 boasts some of the best women cricketers from India and around the world. Captains like Meg Lanning for UP Warriorz and experienced leaders from other franchises bring strategic depth and competitive edge to the league.

Significance of WPL 2026

The Women’s Premier League has become an important platform in women’s cricket, highlighting talent, encouraging young players, and enhancing viewership for women’s sports in India. The 2026 season, with its packed schedule and competitive teams, aims to raise the bar further and build momentum ahead of international calendars and marquee events.

Disclaimer:

This article is informational and based on announced schedules and media reports. Match dates, venues, timings, broadcast rights, or team rosters may change. Viewers should verify details on official WPL platforms or broadcaster schedules before planning to watch.

#Cricket #WPL2026