WPL 2026 Ultimate Guide: 22 Epic Matches, Star-Studded Squads, Venues, Live Streaming & Ticket Tips Revealed!

WPL 2026 is here to ignite the cricket world with non-stop excitement. As the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League kicks off on January 9, 2026, fans are buzzing about the fresh squads, intense rivalries, and high-stakes battles. Defending champions Mumbai Indians, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, aim to claim their third title, while teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals chase glory. This complete guide covers everything from the WPL 2026 schedule to squads, venues, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or new to women’s T20 action, dive in for all the details.

The Women’s Premier League has grown massively since its 2023 launch. Organized by the BCCI, it showcases top global talent in a fast-paced T20 format. WPL 2026 follows a mega auction in November 2025, bringing new faces and strategies. With 22 matches across two venues, expect fireworks from stars like Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning. Why is this season special? It’s the first in a dedicated January-February window, avoiding clashes with other events. Plus, double-headers add extra thrill on weekends.

Who will dominate WPL 2026? Mumbai Indians enter as favorites with their balanced lineup, but underdogs like Gujarat Giants could surprise. We’ve pulled together the latest updates from official sources like wplt20.com and recent news from ESPNcricinfo and Zee News. Stay ahead with this in-depth breakdown.

History of WPL: From Inception to 2026

The Women’s Premier League burst onto the scene in 2023, filling a gap in women’s franchise cricket. Inspired by the IPL’s success, the BCCI launched WPL to boost female talent and viewership. The inaugural season drew millions, with Mumbai Indians clinching the title in a nail-biter against Delhi Capitals. Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership shone, while Meg Lanning’s batting masterclass for DC earned her the Orange Cap with 345 runs.

In 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned heads by winning their first trophy. Smriti Mandhana’s elegant strokes and Ellyse Perry’s all-round brilliance powered RCB to victory. Delhi Capitals finished runners-up again, showing consistency but missing the final push. Viewership soared 20% from year one, proving WPL’s global appeal.

The 2025 edition saw Mumbai Indians reclaim the crown, making them two-time champions. Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 523 runs won her the Orange Cap, and Amelia Kerr’s 18 wickets secured the Purple Cap. Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz improved but couldn’t crack the finals. Prize money hit new highs, with winners taking home INR 6 crore.

WPL’s impact extends beyond stats. It has elevated women’s cricket, drawing sponsors and inspiring young girls. Auction prices have risen, with Deepti Sharma fetching INR 3.2 crore in 2025. As WPL 2026 approaches, the league boasts over 100 international players across seasons. This edition promises more drama, with new captains like Jemimah Rodrigues for DC adding fresh energy.

Past winners highlight the league’s competitiveness:

• 2023: Mumbai Indians (defeated Delhi Capitals)
• 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (defeated Delhi Capitals)
• 2025: Mumbai Indians (defeated Delhi Capitals)

Top performers have defined WPL:

• Highest Run-Scorers: Meg Lanning (over 900 runs across seasons), Nat Sciver-Brunt (consistent match-winner).
• Leading Wicket-Takers: Hayley Matthews (spin wizard), Sophie Ecclestone (left-arm threat).
• Memorable Moments: Perry’s unbeaten century in 2024, Kerr’s hat-trick in 2025.

WPL 2026 builds on this legacy. With a mega auction reshaping teams, expect bolder tactics and breakout stars. The shift to January avoids monsoon issues, ensuring smooth play. Fans worldwide are tuning in—will DC finally break their runners-up curse?

WPL 2026 Overview: Dates, Format, and Key Highlights

WPL 2026 runs from January 9 to February 5, 2026, packing 22 matches into a compact schedule. This fourth season features five teams: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz. Each plays eight league games in a double round-robin setup.

The format keeps things simple yet thrilling. League stage: Teams face off twice, earning points for wins (2 points) and ties (1 point). Net run rate decides ties. Playoffs: Top team advances directly to the final on February 5. Second and third battle in the Eliminator on February 3. This rewards consistency while allowing comebacks.

Key highlights make WPL 2026 stand out. Double-headers debut on January 10 and 17, starting at 3:30 PM IST, followed by 7:30 PM games. The opener pits defending champs MI against RCB— a rematch of past classics. Mega auction changes include Deepti Sharma’s record buy for UPW.

Notable shifts: New captains for DC (Jemimah Rodrigues) and UPW (Meg Lanning). Head coach swaps at MI, RCB, and UPW bring fresh ideas. Big names missing: Ellyse Perry (RCB, personal reasons, replaced by Sayali Satghare), Annabel Sutherland (DC, replaced by Alana King). Alyssa Healy and others unsold.

Associate player rule allows five overseas if one is from an Associate nation, but with Tara Norris withdrawing for USA duties, it might not apply unless replaced.

WPL 2026 emphasizes player welfare with rest days and bio-bubbles if needed. Broadcast reaches new heights with 15 sponsors on JioHotstar. Get set for edge-of-seat action!

WPL 2026 Full Schedule: Match Dates, Timings, and Fixtures

The WPL 2026 schedule is out, delivering 20 league matches plus playoffs. Action starts in Navi Mumbai and shifts to Vadodara mid-way. All times IST; evening games at 7:30 PM, double-headers at 3:30 PM for the first.

Here’s the full WPL 2026 schedule in table form:

Match No.	Date	Fixture	Venue	Time (IST)
1	January 9, 2026	Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	7:30 PM
2	January 10, 2026	UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	3:30 PM
3	January 10, 2026	Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	7:30 PM
4	January 11, 2026	Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	7:30 PM
5	January 12, 2026	Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	7:30 PM
6	January 13, 2026	Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	7:30 PM
7	January 14, 2026	UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	7:30 PM
8	January 15, 2026	Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	7:30 PM
9	January 16, 2026	Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	7:30 PM
10	January 17, 2026	UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	3:30 PM
11	January 17, 2026	Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru	DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai	7:30 PM
12	January 19, 2026	Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM
13	January 20, 2026	Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM
14	January 22, 2026	Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM
15	January 24, 2026	Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM
16	January 26, 2026	Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM
17	January 27, 2026	Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM
18	January 29, 2026	UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM
19	January 30, 2026	Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM
20	February 1, 2026	Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM
Eliminator	February 3, 2026	2nd vs 3rd	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM
Final	February 5, 2026	1st vs Eliminator Winner	Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara	7:30 PM

Key matches to watch? The opener on Jan 9 sets the tone with MI’s power vs RCB’s flair. Jan 10 double-header features UPW’s spin attack against GG’s batters, then MI vs DC—a classic rivalry. Mid-season shift to Vadodara on Jan 19 could favor spinners. The final on Feb 5 promises a blockbuster.

This WPL 2026 schedule balances rest and intensity. Download the PDF from wplt20.com for easy reference. Mark your calendars!

WPL 2026 Venues: DY Patil Navi Mumbai and Kotambi Vadodara Guide

WPL 2026 sticks to two venues for focused action. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai hosts the first 11 matches, while Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara takes the rest, including playoffs. This setup minimizes travel and maximizes fan access.

DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

This modern ground has hosted WPL since inception. Capacity: 55,000. Known for true pitches that favor batters early, with average first-innings scores around 160-170 in women’s T20s. Pacers get swing under lights, spinners grip in later overs.

Stats and records:

• Highest team total: 211/4 (MI vs GG, 2023)
• Lowest team total: 64 (GG vs MI, 2023)
• Most runs: Meg Lanning (345 in 2023)
• Most wickets: Hayley Matthews (16 in 2023)

Pitch report: Flat with even bounce, boundaries 60-65 meters. Dew factor aids chasers in evening games. Weather forecast: January highs 28-32°C, lows 18-22°C, low rain chance (5-10%).

Navi Mumbai’s vibe? Vibrant crowds, easy metro access. Link to venue history: DY Patil official.

Alt: WPL 2026 DY Patil Stadium Navi Mumbai

Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Also called BCA Stadium, this is WPL’s new addition. Capacity: 20,000. Pitches balance bat and ball, with first-innings averages 150-160. Short boundaries (55-60 meters) encourage big hits; wear favors spinners.

Stats and records (from domestic women’s T20s):

• Highest total: 185/2
• Lowest total: 85
• Key performers: Local stars like Yastika Bhatia shine here.

Pitch report: Dry surface, assists turn after 10 overs. Dew heavy in February evenings. Weather: Highs 30-34°C, lows 15-20°C, negligible rain (under 5%).

Vadodara offers intimate atmosphere, rich cricket heritage. Check BCA site for more.

Alt: WPL 2026 Kotambi Stadium Vadodara

Overall, venues promise high scores and close finishes. No home-away yet due to scheduling, but future expansions possible.

WPL 2026 Squads and Team Previews

Post-auction, squads blend experience and youth. Here’s each team’s breakdown.

Mumbai Indians (Defending Champions)

Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur

Squad:

• Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
• Nat Sciver-Brunt
• Hayley Matthews
• Amanjot Kaur
• G. Kamalini
• Amelia Kerr
• Shabnim Ismail
• Sanskriti Gupta
• Sajana Sajeevan
• Rahila Firdous
• Nicola Carey
• Poonam Khemnar
• Triveni Vasistha
• Nalla Reddy
• Saika Ishaque
• Milly Illingworth

MI’s strength lies in all-rounders like Sciver-Brunt and Kerr. Batting depth with Kaur and Matthews, pace from Ismail. Recent form: Dominant in 2025 final. Weakness? Injury risks to key players. Prediction: Top contenders for back-to-back titles.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Captain: Smriti Mandhana

Squad:

• Smriti Mandhana (c)
• Richa Ghosh
• Shreyanka Patil
• Georgia Voll
• Nadine de Klerk
• Radha Yadav
• Lauren Bell
• Linsey Smith
• Prema Rawat
• Arundhati Reddy
• Pooja Vastrakar
• Grace Harris
• Gautami Naik
• Prathyoosha Kumar
• D. Hemalatha
• Sayali Satghare (replacement for Ellyse Perry)

RCB boasts spin options with Yadav and Smith. Mandhana’s opening fireworks, Ghosh’s keeping. Perry’s absence hurts power-hitting, but Harris fills the gap. Form: 2024 champs, strong auction. Could challenge for second title.

Delhi Capitals

Captain: Jemimah Rodrigues

Squad:

• Jemimah Rodrigues (c)
• Shafali Verma
• Marizanne Kapp
• Niki Prasad
• Laura Wolvaardt
• Chinelle Henry
• Shree Charani
• Sneh Rana
• Lizelle Lee
• Deeya Yadav
• Taniyaa Bhatia
• Mamatha Madiwala
• Nandini Sharma
• Lucy Hamilton
• Minnu Mani
• Alana King (replacement for Annabel Sutherland)

DC’s explosive openers Verma and Wolvaardt set tones. Kapp’s pace, King’s spin add variety. Rodrigues’ young captaincy brings energy. Form: Three-time runners-up, hungry for first win. Strength: Balanced attack.

Gujarat Giants

Captain: Ashleigh Gardner

Squad:

• Ashleigh Gardner (c)
• Beth Mooney
• Sophie Devine
• Renuka Singh Thakur
• Bharti Fulmali
• Titas Sadhu
• Kashvee Gautam
• Kanika Ahuja
• Tanuja Kanwar
• Georgia Wareham
• Anushka Sharma
• Happy Kumari
• Kim Garth
• Yastika Bhatia
• Shivani Singh
• Danni Wyatt-Hodge
• Rajeshwari Gayakwad
• Ayushi Soni

GG’s overseas stars Mooney and Devine provide firepower. Gardner’s all-round skills lead. Bowling mix with Renuka and Wareham. Form: Yet to reach finals, but 2026 auction boosts. Potential dark horses.

UP Warriorz

Captain: Meg Lanning

Squad:

• Shweta Sehrawat
• Deepti Sharma
• Sophie Ecclestone
• Meg Lanning (c)
• Phoebe Litchfield
• Kiran Navgire
• Harleen Deol
• Kranti Goud
• Asha Sobhana
• Deandra Dottin
• Shikha Pandey
• Shipra Giri
• Simran Shaikh
• Chloe Tryon
• Suman Meena
• G. Trisha
• Pratika Rawal
• Charli Knott (replacement for Tara Norris)

UPW’s spin duo Ecclestone and Deepti dominates. Lanning’s experience stabilizes batting. Dottin’s power adds muscle. Form: Improved steadily, title push possible.

Players to Watch in WPL 2026

WPL 2026 spotlights game-changers across categories.

Top Batters:

• Smriti Mandhana (RCB): Elegant left-hander, 500+ runs in past seasons. Watch her cover drives.
• Harmanpreet Kaur (MI): Power-packed, thrives under pressure. Recent World Cup form boosts confidence.
• Beth Mooney (GG): Consistent opener, WBBL star with 549 runs recently.

Key Bowlers:

• Sophie Ecclestone (UPW): World No.1 spinner, economical and wicket-taking.
• Shabnim Ismail (MI): Fiery pacer, clocks 140kph+.
• Ashleigh Gardner (GG): Off-spin and batting dual threat.

All-Rounders:

• Hayley Matthews (MI): Spin, bat, field—total package.
• Marizanne Kapp (DC): Pace bowling with handy runs.
• Deepti Sharma (UPW): Auction topper, spin mastery.

Emerging Talents:

• Deeya Yadav (DC): 16-year-old batter, modeled on Shafali Verma.
• Milly Illingworth (MI): Young Aussie pacer, 120kph speed.
• Kranti Goud (UPW): World Cup hero, fast bowler ready to shine.

These players could define WPL 2026. Track their forms on ESPNcricinfo.

Key Changes and Notable Absences

WPL 2026 sees major shakes. Mega auction redistributed talent: Deepti Sharma back to UPW for record INR 3.2 crore. Unsold stars like Alyssa Healy and Heather Knight surprise many.

Pullouts: Ellyse Perry (personal, RCB) replaced by Sayali Satghare. Annabel Sutherland (personal, DC) by Alana King. Tara Norris (USA duties, UPW) by Charli Knott.

New captains: Jemimah Rodrigues (DC) brings youth; Meg Lanning (UPW) adds winning pedigree.

Coach changes: Lisa Keightley (MI), Malolan Rangarajan (RCB), Abhishek Nayar (UPW).

These shifts could spark upsets. GG and UPW look stronger on paper.

WPL 2026 Live Streaming and Broadcasting Guide

Catch every ball live. In India, Star Sports Network broadcasts on TV, JioHotstar streams free/high-quality.

International options:

• Australia: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports
• England: Sky Sports
• South Africa: SuperSport
• USA: Willow TV

Sponsors boost coverage—15 on JioHotstar for immersive experience. Follow wplt20.com for highlights.

WPL 2026 Tickets: How to Book

Tickets live since December 26, 2025. Book via wplt20.com, app, or partners like BookMyShow. Prices start ₹100 for league games, up to ₹500 for final.

Tips: Grab early for playoffs. Online only; verify authenticity. Navi Mumbai easy access via metro; Vadodara via local transport.

Conclusion: What to Expect from WPL 2026

WPL 2026 promises unforgettable cricket. MI favorites, but RCB and DC close behind. Emerging stars and tactical battles will thrill. Don’t miss the action—book tickets, stream live, and cheer on. For more cricket news, check our IPL Star blog. Who’s your pick to win?

WPL 2026 FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

1. When does WPL 2026 start and end?

WPL 2026 kicks off on January 9, 2026, with defending champions Mumbai Indians facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Navi Mumbai. The tournament concludes with the grand final on February 5, 2026, in Vadodara.

2. What is the full WPL 2026 schedule?

The WPL 2026 schedule features 20 league matches plus playoffs. The first 11 games are at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, followed by the remaining matches, Eliminator (Feb 3), and Final (Feb 5) at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. Double-headers are scheduled for January 10 and January 17.

3. Which are the WPL 2026 venues?

WPL 2026 will be played across two venues: DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai (first 11 matches) and Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara (remaining matches including playoffs). Both grounds promise exciting, high-scoring contests.

4. Who are the captains of the five teams in WPL 2026?

• Mumbai Indians: Harmanpreet Kaur
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana
• Delhi Capitals: Jemimah Rodrigues
• Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner
• UP Warriorz: Meg Lanning

5. How can I watch WPL 2026 live streaming in India?

In India, WPL 2026 live streaming is available on JioHotstar (free for many plans), while TV broadcast is on the Star Sports Network. International viewers can tune in via Fox Cricket (Australia), Sky Sports (England), SuperSport (South Africa), and Willow TV (USA).

6. Where can I find the complete WPL 2026 squads?

All WPL 2026 squads are updated post the mega auction. Mumbai Indians retain stars like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr; Delhi Capitals feature Shafali Verma and Marizanne Kapp; RCB have Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh; Gujarat Giants boast Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner; UP Warriorz are led by Meg Lanning with Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma.

7. How to buy WPL 2026 tickets?

WPL 2026 tickets are available online via the official wplt20.com website, app, or partners like BookMyShow. Prices start from ₹100. Book early, especially for playoffs and the final in Vadodara.

8. Who won the previous WPL seasons?

Mumbai Indians are two-time champions (2023 and 2025). Royal Challengers Bengaluru won in 2024. Delhi Capitals have been runners-up three times but are yet to lift the trophy.

9. Which players should I watch out for in WPL 2026?

Key players to watch in WPL 2026 include Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Ashleigh Gardner, and emerging talents like Deeya Yadav (DC) and Milly Illingworth (MI). All-rounders like Hayley Matthews and Marizanne Kapp could be game-changers.

10. What is new in WPL 2026 compared to previous seasons?

WPL 2026 introduces a January-February window, double-headers, two venues only, and major squad changes after the mega auction. Notable absences include Ellyse Perry (replaced by Sayali Satghare in RCB) and Annabel Sutherland (replaced by Alana King in DC).