Navi Mumbai, Vadodara to Host 2026 Women’s Premier League; Tournament Set for January 9–February 5

New Delhi, Nov 2025 : The 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be held from January 9 to February 5, with matches staged across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. The tournament will open at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, while the final is scheduled for Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

The announcement was made by WPL Committee Chairman Jayesh George ahead of the league’s first-ever mega auction, held in New Delhi on Thursday. Earlier, the WPL Committee convened at the auction venue to finalise the tournament’s dates and venues, with the full schedule expected to be released soon.

According to George, the fourth WPL final will take place two days before the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup begins in India and Sri Lanka. Officials noted that the second half of the tournament is scheduled in Vadodara because Kotambi Stadium will also host the men’s ODI series opener between India and New Zealand on January 11.

Vadodara, one of four hosts for the 2025 WPL, will now host the entire second half of the league, including knockout matches and the final. The 2026 edition will also mark the return of women’s cricket to the WPL after India’s triumph in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup on November 2.

All five teams—two-time champions Mumbai Indians, 2024 winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru, three-time runners-up Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants—are focusing on assembling strong squads to compete for the 2026 trophy.

At the mega auction, India’s ODI World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur was present at the Mumbai Indians table, along with Jhulan Goswami, new coach Lisa Keightley, and team owners. Delhi Capitals showcased a star-studded contingent with head coach Jonathan Batty and director of cricket Sourav Ganguly.

UP Warriorz are represented by newly appointed head coach Abhishek Nayar and mentor Lisa Sthalekar. Gujarat Giants featured Pravin Tambe and Michael Klinger, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru had new assistant coach Anya Shrubsole alongside head coach Malolan Rangarajan.

The auction sets the stage for teams to strengthen their squads, with high expectations following India’s recent World Cup success. Fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting the tournament, which promises thrilling cricket action across two major venues and a showcase of the best women’s talent in the country.

The 2026 WPL is poised to further cement the league’s reputation as a premier platform for women’s cricket, combining competitive matches with high-profile players, coaches, and global attention.