The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is officially around the corner and fans across India and the world are already buzzing! From compelling rivalries to star-studded squads and edge-of-your-seat T20 action, the fourth edition promises to be the biggest yet. With the tournament slated to start on 9 January 2026 and stretch to 5 February 2026, this season is set to break records and inspire a new generation of cricket lovers.
Let’s dive deep into what makes WPL 2026 unmissable — from last season highlights to team lineups, captains, budgets, schedule, venues and engaging fan-centric insights tailored for cricket blogs and search engines alike.
Introduction: WPL’s Rise & Recap of Previous Seasons
Since its inception, the Women’s Premier League has transformed women’s cricket in India. The first edition captured hearts in 2023, followed by another thrilling chapter in 2024 and then WPL 2025 — where Mumbai Indians clinched the title, showcasing grit and talent across five franchises.
WPL has rapidly become a cricket spectacle that rivals traditional T20 leagues due to:
- High-octane matches filled with power hits and bowling brilliance,
- A platform for Indian stars like Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma,
- Overseas legends turning up the heat with world-class performances.
Each season upped the ante in terms of competitiveness, audience engagement and global recognition — and WPL 2026 looks set to continue that winning trend.
WPL 2026: Key Details At a Glance
| Tournament Name | TATA Women’s Premier League 2026 |
|---|---|
| Organizer | BCCI |
| Edition | 4th |
| Start Date | 9 January 2026 |
| End Date | 5 February 2026 |
| Teams | 5 Franchise Teams |
| Format | Double Round-Robin + Playoffs |
| Venues | Navi Mumbai & Vadodara |
| Total Matches | 22 League + Playoffs |
All 5 Teams & Captains — Leadership for Glory
Here’s a complete look at the participating franchises, captains and their star players for WPL 2026:
1. Mumbai Indians Women (MI Women)
Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur (India middle-order powerhouse)
Key Players: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr
Defending champions aiming to retain glory.
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB Women)
Captain: Smriti Mandhana (Fan favourite & batting phenom)
Key Players: Ellyse Perry, Nadine de Klerk, Richa Ghosh
RCB bounced back in previous editions and will be hungry for another title.
3. Delhi Capitals Women (DC Women)
Captain: Jemimah Rodrigues (Newly appointed captain & World Cup hero)
Key Players: Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, Laura Wolvaardt
Rodrigues brings fresh leadership after stellar World Cup form.
4. UP Warriorz Women (UPW Women)
Captain: Deepti Sharma (All-round star & big auction headline)
Key Players: Phoebe Litchfield, Meg Lanning, Sophie Ecclestone
UPW dominated the auction with the largest budget, making them a dark horse.
5. Gujarat Giants Women (GG Women)
Captain: Beth Mooney (Explosive opener & seasoned campaigner)
Key Players: Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Devine, Rajeshwari Gayakwad
GG blend experience with raw power in a balanced squad.
Team Budgets & Mega Auction Highlights
The WPL 2026 Mega Auction was one of the most talked-about events of the year. A whopping 277 players — including 194 Indians and 83 overseas stars — vied for spots, pushing team strategies to the limit.
Some fascinating auction stats:
- Deepti Sharma emerged as one of the top buys at ₹3.20 crore, making waves for UP Warriorz.
- Overseas all-rounders like Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine were among the big money picks.
- Teams like UP Warriorz entered with the largest purse (~₹14.5 crore) to build a versatile squad.
This investment showcases the growing commercial strength and excitement surrounding the women’s league — and why WPL 2026 is more competitive than ever.
WPL 2026 Full Playing Schedule (Match-by-Match)
The action kicks off with a blockbuster opener and continues with a packed fixture list:
Navi Mumbai Leg (Jan 9 – Jan 17)
- Jan 9: MI Women vs RCB Women – Season Opener!
- Jan 10: UP Warriorz vs GG Women
- Jan 10: MI Women vs DC Women
- Jan 11: DC Women vs GG Women
- Jan 12: RCB Women vs UP Warriorz
- Jan 13: MI Women vs GG Women
- Jan 14: UP Warriorz vs DC Women
- Jan 15: MI Women vs UP Warriorz
- Jan 16: RCB Women vs GG Women
- Jan 17: UP Warriorz vs MI Women
- Jan 17: DC Women vs RCB Women
Vadodara Leg (Jan 19 – Feb 5)
- Jan 19: GG Women vs RCB Women
- Jan 20: DC Women vs MI Women
- Jan 22: GG Women vs UP Warriorz
- Jan 24: RCB Women vs DC Women
- Jan 26: RCB Women vs MI Women
- Jan 27: GG Women vs DC Women
- Jan 29: UP Warriorz vs RCB Women
- Jan 30: GG Women vs MI Women
- Feb 1: DC Women vs UP Warriorz
- Feb 3: Eliminator
- Feb 5: WPL 2026 Final
(Full fixtures are sourced from the official WPL schedule announcement.)
Venues — Where the Thrills Unfold
WPL 2026 matches are set across two iconic Indian venues:
• Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy – Navi Mumbai
Hosts the opening salvo of 11 fixtures in a vibrant coastal cricketing hub.
• BCA Stadium – Vadodara
The battleground for the final league matches, Eliminator, and the Grand Final.
These venues were chosen to spread the women’s game across regions with passionate fan bases and excellent facilities.
How Fans Can Watch & Engage
Cricket lovers won’t miss a single boundary or wicket:
- Live streaming & broadcast info: Fans can stream matches on major sports platforms and TV channels — check the official WPL broadcast list.
- Tickets: Tickets went on sale recently, with online booking available via partner apps — fans are encouraged to secure seats early for key matches.
Conclusion: Why WPL 2026 Is a Must-Watch
WPL 2026 is more than just a tournament — it’s a celebration of women’s cricket at its peak. With seasoned captains, global superstars, thrilling matchups, and passionate fanfare, this edition promises unforgettable moments. Whether you’re an ardent supporter of MI Women, cheering for young Indian talent, or tracking your fantasy team — this season has something for everyone.
So gear up! From January 9 to February 5, the T20 action will light up the stadiums and screens — pushing boundaries and redefining cricketing excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When does WPL 2026 start and end?
The tournament runs from 9 January to 5 February 2026.
Q2. How many teams play in WPL 2026?
Five teams compete: MI Women, RCB Women, DC Women, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants.
Q3. Where will the matches be played?
Matches are at Navi Mumbai and Vadodara venues.
Q4. Who are the captains of the teams this season?
Harmanpreet Kaur (MI), Smriti Mandhana (RCB), Jemimah Rodrigues (DC), Deepti Sharma (UPW), Beth Mooney (GG).
Q5. How was the WPL 2026 auction significant?
It featured record bids, marquee players and intense competition among franchises.
If you want extensions like player stats predictions, head-to-head analysis, fantasy tips or SEO keyword suggestions for this blog, just ask!
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Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
PopNewsBlend is my way of blending personal journeys with meaningful stories — ones that inform, inspire, and keep you ahead of the curve. Everything I write comes from real observations, hands-on experiences, and a deep passion for understanding the world around us.
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