The official announcement of the women premier league 2026 schedule has ignited fresh excitement among cricket fans, players, and analysts alike. With confirmed dates, new host cities, and squads reshaped after a high-profile mega auction, the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League is shaping up as the most competitive edition so far.
This year’s calendar, shaped by the women premier league 2026 schedule, reflects how rapidly the tournament has matured. More balanced teams, wider geographic reach, and smarter scheduling underline the league’s growing influence in global women’s cricket. From the opening night to the final in Vadodara, every fixture carries significance.
Women Premier League 2026 Schedule: Key Dates and Venues
According to the official release, the women premier league 2026 schedule will run from January 9 to February 5, 2026. The tournament window has been designed to maintain momentum while ensuring peak-time viewership throughout the season.
Two cities will serve as hosts:
- Navi Mumbai will stage the opening leg
- Vadodara will host the latter phase, including playoffs
The first 11 league matches will be played at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy before the action shifts to Vadodara for the remaining games. These confirmed women premier league 2026 date and venue details mark the league’s first visit to the city, adding a fresh chapter to WPL history.
“The Women’s Premier League continues to raise global standards, and this season reflects that growth.”
— Jay Shah, BCCI Honorary Secretary
Women’s Premier League 2026 Matches: Full Fixture List
Fans searching for the complete women premier league 2026 full match schedule can find the entire league-phase and playoff lineup below.
| Match | Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 09 | Mumbai Indians vs RCB Women | Navi Mumbai |
| 2 | Jan 10 | UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| 3 | Jan 10 | Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| 4 | Jan 11 | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| 5 | Jan 12 | RCB Women vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| 6 | Jan 13 | Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| 7 | Jan 14 | UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| 8 | Jan 15 | Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| 9 | Jan 16 | RCB Women vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| 10 | Jan 17 | UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians | Navi Mumbai |
| 11 | Jan 17 | Delhi Capitals vs RCB Women | Navi Mumbai |
| 12 | Jan 19 | Gujarat Giants vs RCB Women | Vadodara |
| 13 | Jan 20 | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| 14 | Jan 22 | Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz | Vadodara |
| 15 | Jan 24 | RCB Women vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| 16 | Jan 26 | RCB Women vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| 17 | Jan 27 | Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| 18 | Jan 29 | UP Warriorz vs RCB Women | Vadodara |
| 19 | Jan 30 | Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| 20 | Feb 01 | Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz | Vadodara |
| 21 | Feb 03 | Eliminator | Vadodara |
| 22 | Feb 05 | Final | Vadodara |
An official women premier league 2026 match list pdf is expected to be released closer to the tournament start.
Check out Cricket Schedule (Matches & Timings):
Latest International & Domestic Cricket Schedule
Teams, Auctions and Squad Balance
The Women Premier League teams 2026 look stronger and more evenly matched following a mega auction that saw franchises invest heavily in all-rounders and fast bowlers.
Mumbai Indians
The defending champions have stuck with their proven core. Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt remain central, while Amelia Kerr adds flexibility across formats.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Led by Smriti Mandhana, RCB enter the season with renewed confidence as the women premier league 2026 schedule unfolds. Ellyse Perry’s experience and Lauren Bell’s pace provide balance in crucial phases.
Delhi Capitals
Consistency has been their hallmark. With Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues setting the tempo, Delhi remain strong contenders once again.
UP Warriorz
Retaining Deepti Sharma was a defining moment. Their squad depth makes them dangerous in tight matches.
Gujarat Giants
With Ashleigh Gardner and Sophie Devine, the Giants appear far more settled heading into the women premier league 2026 schedule.
“Every team has genuine match-winners now — margins will be small.”
— Smriti Mandhana
Format, Timings and Competitive Edge
The league follows a double round-robin format, ensuring a balanced WPL 2026 fixtures list.
- Top team advances directly to the final
- Second and third face off in the Eliminator
- Final scheduled for February 5
Most games in the WPL 2026 match timetable begin at 7:30 PM IST, ensuring consistent prime-time exposure. Only two afternoon games are planned during the Navi Mumbai leg.
Find out more Cricket Series (Upcoming & Ongoing Tours):
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Why This Season Feels Different
Vadodara’s inclusion among the WPL 2026 venues highlights the league’s expansion beyond traditional centers. Early pitch assessments suggest balanced surfaces, which could influence tactics and the eventual WPL 2026 points table.
This approach strengthens the identity of the upcoming women cricket league 2026, making it more accessible and nationally representative.
Final Verdict
The women premier league 2026 schedule reflects how far the league has come — sharper planning, deeper squads, and wider reach. With every team capable of making the playoffs, fans can expect sustained intensity from start to finish.
Explore Cricket Teams (All Nations & Squads):
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FAQs
When does the Women Premier League 2026 begin?
The tournament starts on January 9, 2026.
How many teams are playing in WPL 2026?
Five franchises will compete this season.
Which cities are hosting WPL 2026 matches?
Navi Mumbai and Vadodara will host all matches.
Where will the final be played?
The final is scheduled in Vadodara on February 5.
Will team-wise fixtures be available officially?
Yes, women premier league 2026 team-wise fixtures will be released by the BCCI before the season.