The cricketing world turns its eyes to the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai today, January 9, 2026, as the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) commences.
This season marks a significant milestone in the tournament’s history, as the WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony ushers in a new January–February window to avoid international scheduling conflicts and strengthen its status in the global T20 circuit.
The Grand Opening Ceremony
Before the first ball is bowled, the stadium will host a star-studded cultural extravaganza starting at 6:30 PM IST.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has curated a lineup designed to celebrate the “courage and confidence” of women in sports.
Musical sensation Yo Yo Honey Singh is set to deliver a high-energy medley of his hits, while Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez will lead a specially choreographed dance performance.
Adding an extra layer of prestige, Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu will also grace the stage, symbolizing the rising global stature of the league.
Opening Match
The tournament begins with a heavyweight battle between the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), and the 2024 winners, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, respectively, both teams are seeking to establish early dominance. Fans can watch the action live on the Star Sports Network or stream it via JioCinema.
Tournament Structure and New Leadership
The 2026 season features 22 matches played across two legs:
- Navi Mumbai Leg (Jan 9 – Jan 17): Hosted at the DY Patil Stadium.
- Vadodara Leg (Jan 19 – Feb 5): Shifting to the BCA Stadium for the final league games and playoffs.
A major talking point this year is the leadership shake-up. While MI, RCB, and Gujarat Giants (led by Ashleigh Gardner) have retained their skippers, the Delhi Capitals have appointed Jemimah Rodrigues as their new captain.
Meanwhile, legendary Australian captain Meg Lanning has moved to the UP Warriorz, bringing her immense tactical experience to a new franchise.
With five elite teams competing in a double round-robin format, the stakes are higher than ever. The journey concludes on February 5 in Vadodara, where the next WPL champion will be crowned.
