The Women’s Premier League (WPL) matches on January 14, 15, and 16 will be played without spectators at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
The decision comes amid municipal elections scheduled in the city on January 15, which has affected security arrangements for the games.
While the BCCI has not issued an official statement, the ticket partner ‘District by Zomato’ has removed ticket details for these matches from its website.
According to reports, the Navi Mumbai Police have indicated that they cannot provide sufficient security for cricket matches during the election period.
Additional police forces from other cities in Maharashtra have been requested to manage election duties. As a result, fans will not be allowed for the following matches:
| Date | Matchup | Spectator Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 14 | Delhi Capitals vs. UP Warriorz | Likely No Spectators |
| Jan 15 | Mumbai Indians vs. UP Warriorz | No Spectators (Election Day) |
| Jan 16 | Gujarat Giants vs. RCB | Likely No Spectators |
The election announcement on December 15 came after the WPL schedule was released on November 29. Despite this, the WPL committee ensured adjustments were made, keeping player safety and crowd management in mind.
The opening match on January 13 witnessed a near-full house, while weekend double-headers drew sizable crowds before the temporary suspension of spectators.
Spectators are expected to return to the DY Patil Stadium from January 17, when the second double-header of the tournament will be held.
On that day, the Mumbai Indians face UP Warriorz in the first match, followed by the Delhi Capitals against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Following the Navi Mumbai leg, the WPL moves to Vadodara from January 19. All remaining matches, including nine league-stage games, playoffs, and the final on February 5, will take place at Kotambi Stadium. Fans can expect tickets to be available once matches resume in Vadodara.
The temporary restriction of spectators highlights the challenges of scheduling major sporting events alongside civic responsibilities.
BCCI continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates regarding ticket sales and safety measures.
