The wait is finally over! The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026, and it's going to be a thrilling ride. The tournament is set to kick off on January 9, 2026, and will conclude on February 5, 2026. A total of five teams will battle it out for the coveted title, and the competition promises to be fierce.
The Teams:
The five teams that will participate in WPL 2026 are:
- Mumbai Indians: The defending champions are looking to retain their title and make it a hat-trick of wins.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): The former champions are eager to reclaim their glory and lift the trophy once again.
- Delhi Capitals: The team from the national capital is determined to make a strong impact and go all the way.
- Gujarat Giants: The team from Gujarat is ready to take on the best and make a name for themselves in the women's cricket world.
- UP Warriors: The team from Uttar Pradesh is looking to make a mark and create history in the tournament.
The Schedule:
The WPL 2026 schedule has been divided into two phases, with the first 11 matches taking place at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai from January 9 to January 17. The remaining matches will be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Vadodara from January 18 to February 5.
The tournament will get underway with a thrilling match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore on January 9. The final match will take place on February 5 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Vadodara.
The Venues:
The two venues that will host the WPL 2026 matches are:
- DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai: This stadium will host the first 11 matches of the tournament.
- Sardar Patel Stadium, Vadodara: This stadium will host the remaining matches of the tournament.
The Auction:
The WPL 2026 auction took place recently, and it was a star-studded affair. Some of the top players in women's cricket were picked up by the teams, including:
- Deepti Sharma: The Indian all-rounder was picked up by UP Warriors for a whopping Rs. 3.20 crores.
- Amelia Kerr: The New Zealand all-rounder was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 3 crores.
- Shikha Pandey: The Indian all-rounder was picked up by UP Warriors for Rs. 2.40 crores.
- Sophie Ecclestone: The English spinner was bought by Gujarat Giants for Rs. 2 crores.
The Excitement Builds:
With the schedule announced and the teams ready, the excitement is building up for WPL 2026. Fans are eagerly waiting to see their favorite players in action, and the teams are gearing up to give it their all. The tournament promises to be an exciting affair, with some of the best players in women's cricket competing for the top prize.