WPL 2026 Schedule: MI vs RCB to Kick Off on January 9, Final on February 5

The 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to kick off on January 9 with defending champions Mumbai Indians facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This edition introduces a January–February window, featuring a 28-day tournament across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, culminating in a weekday final on February 5.

WPL 2026 to Begin with MI vs RCB on January 9

The 2026 Women’s Premier League will launch with a high-profile encounter between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on January 9, marking the start of a season with several notable structural changes. This is the first time the WPL will be played in a January–February window, aiming to offer a cleaner and uninterrupted schedule compared to previous editions.

Officials involved in the scheduling process stated that the league wanted to “avoid the crowded international cycle” and ensure maximum visibility for women’s cricket. The season will conclude with a rare weekday final on February 5, designed to optimize broadcast reach while accommodating venue and global cricket logistics.

Tournament Structure – Two Cities Hosting WPL 2026

The 28-day tournament will be split between Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, with equal importance given to both cities in the scheduling framework.

DY Patil Stadium to Host Opening Matches

DY Patil Stadium, fresh from hosting India’s ODI World Cup triumph, will stage the opening 11 matches, including the Saturday double-headers, providing fans with a prime cricketing spectacle.

Kotambi Stadium to Host Vadodara Matches

The remaining 11 league games will take place at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium, which will also host the eliminator on February 3 and the final on February 5, ensuring a fitting climax to the tournament.

Prime-Time Scheduling a Priority

WPL chairman Jayesh George, while unveiling the fixtures during the players’ auction, emphasized the league’s effort to maintain prime-time consistency. Officials noted that the plan was to “limit afternoon starts as much as possible,” with only early games on double-header days starting before sunset. All other matches will be held under lights, enhancing viewer experience and stadium ambience.

WPL 2026 Full Schedule

Key Highlights of WPL 2026

First-Time January–February Window

The league has shifted to a January–February calendar, avoiding clashes with international cricket and ensuring better exposure for women’s cricket.

Equal Weight for Both Cities

Both Navi Mumbai and Vadodara will host a similar number of matches, including high-stakes games like eliminators and finals, making WPL 2026 a truly pan-India experience.

Night Matches for Fan Engagement

Most matches are scheduled under lights, except early double-header games, ensuring prime-time TV viewership and maximum fan engagement.

Conclusion

The WPL 2026 promises an exciting mix of cricketing action, strategic scheduling, and enhanced fan experience. With marquee matches like MI vs RCB opening the season and a weekday final in Vadodara, this edition is set to elevate the profile of women’s cricket in India while maintaining global standards.