The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to begin earlier than usual, with reports suggesting a likely start between January 6 and January 8. The shift moves the tournament from its traditional February–March slot to avoid clashing with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka during the same period, according to Cricbuzz.
The fourth edition will see the return of the same five teams from previous seasons: Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and UP Warriorz. The competition is expected to feature 22 matches, wrapping up by early February 2026. Mumbai Indians, led by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, enter the tournament as the defending champions.
The revised schedule is designed to give teams additional preparation time while better syncing with the international cricket calendar. A mega auction is also anticipated, which could bring notable changes to team line-ups.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is exploring the possibility of expanding the tournament’s venues. While the 2025 season took place in Vadodara, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Mumbai, the 2026 edition may include more cities to meet growing fan interest.
With the WPL now having a dedicated window in the women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), it is expected to follow the structure of major women’s leagues such as Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League and England’s The Hundred for Women.
Mumbai Indians claim second title
Earlier this year, Mumbai Indians secured their second WPL title with an exciting 8-run win over Delhi Capitals in the final at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. Batting first, Mumbai posted 149 for seven in 20 overs, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s 66 and Natalie Sciver-Brunt’s 30. Delhi’s Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen took two wickets each, conceding 11 and 26 runs.
In reply, Delhi managed 141 for nine, with Kapp top-scoring at 40 and Jemimah Rodrigues adding 30. Mumbai bowlers, led by Sciver-Brunt’s 3/30 and Amelia Kerr’s 2/25, effectively contained the chase.
Sciver-Brunt’s all-round performance earned her Player of the Series, scoring 523 runs and taking 12 wickets in the tournament. This triumph marked Mumbai’s second WPL title after their 2023 victory. Under Kaur’s leadership and coach Charlotte Edwards, the team celebrated with their Mumbai Paltan fans.
