BCCI Confirms WPL 2026 Dates, Playoffs To Kick Off In Vadodara On February 3

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the schedule for the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL). The fourth edition of the tournament will run from January 9 to February 5, with Navi Mumbai and Vadodara selected as the host venues.

The league will open with a blockbuster encounter between defending champions Mumbai Indians and the 2024 title winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This matchup will also signal the beginning of the Navi Mumbai leg, with the DY Patil Stadium set to stage the first 11 matches of the competition up until January 17.

“With the mega auction in New Delhi on Thursday reshaping and strengthening squads, WPL 2026 is poised to deliver its most riveting season yet. Young Indian players are set to break through alongside seasoned international performers, promising high-intensity cricket throughout,” WPL’s statement read.

Vadodara, which also hosted a portion of WPL fixtures last season, will stage the remainder of the WPL 2026 matches, including the playoffs. The second phase of the tournament begins on January 18, with the opening clash featuring the Gujarat Giants (GG) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The league stage will continue until February 1.

The playoffs — consisting of the Eliminator and the Final, are slated for February 3 and 5, respectively. The format remains unchanged, with the team finishing first on the points table advancing straight to the final, while the second- and third-placed sides battle it out in the Eliminator. The 2026 season also marks the first year of the new three-year cycle.

Ahead of the competition, franchises reshaped their squads during the mega auction, where they were permitted to retain up to five players in the off-season. The tournament will take place in an earlier window this time, as India is set to host the 2026 T20 World Cup starting February 7.

Complete Guide To WPL 2026 — Schedule, Venues And Timings

The WPL schedule features two double-header matchdays, meaning there will be just two afternoon games throughout the season. UP Warriorz are part of both double-headers, taking on the Gujarat Giants on January 10 and the Mumbai Indians on January 17.

Mumbai Indians enter the tournament as the reigning champions, having claimed last season’s title by defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) in the final at Brabourne Stadium.