WPL 2026 Schedule: Complete Fixtures and Venues Announced

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially unveiled the complete fixture list for the Women’s Premier League 2026, setting the stage for what promises to be the most competitive season yet. The tournament runs from January 9 to February 5, 2026, with matches split between DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

WPL 2026 Match Schedule and Timings

The opening match on January 9 features defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at 7:30 PM IST in Navi Mumbai. This blockbuster clash between two powerhouse teams sets the tone for an action-packed month of women’s cricket.

The schedule features strategic planning by the BCCI, with the first 11 matches taking place in Navi Mumbai from January 9-17, before the tournament shifts to Vadodara for the remaining fixtures including playoffs. Vegas11 News has learned that this two-venue format allows fans across different regions to experience top-tier women’s cricket firsthand.

The vast majority of matches commence at 7:30 PM IST ensuring prime-time television slots and optimal viewership. Only two afternoon fixtures are scheduled on double-header days – January 10 and January 17 – both starting at 3:30 PM IST.

WPL 2026 Schedule

WPL 2026 Tournament Format and Teams

Five teams will compete in WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz, playing each other twice during the league stage. The tournament follows a double round-robin format where each team faces every opponent twice before the top three advance to the playoffs.

The Eliminator on February 3 will feature the teams finishing second and third, with the winner advancing to face the league topper in the Final on February 5. This marks the first time in WPL history that the final will be held on a weekday rather than a weekend.

Key Fixtures and Match Highlights

The schedule includes several marquee clashes that could determine playoff positions. January 10 features a rare double-header in Navi Mumbai, with matches scheduled at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM IST respectively. Similarly, January 17 concludes the Navi Mumbai leg with another twin billing at the same timings.

This January 9 to February 5 window was strategically chosen to avoid clashing with the Men’s T20 World Cup beginning February 7 and the Women’s Under-19 World Cup starting February 6. The timing also ensures all Indian players are available for the full tournament without international commitments.

Venue Details and Match Timings

DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, with a seating capacity of around 45,000, recently hosted the Women’s World Cup final where India won their first 50-over title. The venue’s world-class facilities and accessibility from Mumbai city make it an ideal location for the opening phase.

The Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, capable of holding approximately 40,000 spectators, takes over for the crucial second half including all playoff matches. Vadodara has demonstrated strong support for women’s cricket in previous tournaments, making it a fitting location for the season’s climax.

Most matches are scheduled for 7:30 PM IST to ensure prime-time television viewership, with only two afternoon fixtures at 3:30 PM IST on double-header days. According to Vegas11 News sources, this scheduling maximizes broadcast reach while allowing fans to attend matches conveniently during evening hours.

Championship Race and Team Form

Mumbai Indians enter as two-time champions, having won the inaugural 2023 edition and successfully defending their title in 2025 with an eight-run victory over Delhi Capitals. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and batting prowess were instrumental in their recent triumph.

Delhi Capitals have finished as runners-up in all three previous seasons despite strong performances, making them determined challengers this time around. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Smriti Mandhana, won the 2024 championship and will look to reclaim the trophy.

The November 2025 mega auction has significantly reshaped all five squads, bringing fresh dynamics to team combinations. International stars and emerging Indian talent have been strategically distributed across franchises, promising highly competitive matches throughout the season.

Broadcasting and Streaming Details

Cricket fans can catch all the action live on Star Sports Network with multilingual commentary. Digital streaming will be available on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, ensuring widespread accessibility across India and international markets.

The tournament’s strategic scheduling in the January-February window positions it perfectly before the Indian Premier League season, giving women’s cricket prime spotlight without competing broadcasts. Vegas11 News will provide comprehensive coverage including match previews, live updates, and post-match analysis throughout the tournament.

Tournament Significance

The WPL has become a powerful symbol of growth, opportunity, and global recognition for women’s cricket. The league provides Indian and international players with substantial contracts, exposure to packed stadiums, and a platform to showcase their skills on the biggest stage.

This fourth edition promises to be the most competitive yet, with balanced squads following the mega auction and increased investment from franchises. The tournament continues to break new ground in women’s sports, attracting larger audiences and creating pathways for young cricketers.

With the complete schedule now available, fans can plan their viewing experience and support their favorite teams throughout this exciting journey. The 28-day extravaganza from Navi Mumbai to Vadodara will once again demonstrate why the WPL has quickly become one of the premier women’s cricket leagues globally.

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