MI to host RCB in WPL 2026 opener, Vadodara to host marquee final on February 5, check full schedule
The 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to break new ground with a weekday final and a revised schedule designed to maximise action and viewer engagement. For the first time, the championship match will be held on a Thursday, February 5, instead of the usual weekend slot, while two double-headers will be staged on Saturdays after the tournament kicks off on January 9.
The 28-day tournament will unfold across two venues, with Navi Mumbai and Vadodara hosting all matches. Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, the site of India’s recent ODI World Cup triumph over South Africa, will host the first 11 games, including the two double-headers. The remainder of the tournament, including the eliminator on February 3 and the final, will take place at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium. According to WPL chairman Jayesh George, all games except the first on double-header days will be scheduled as evening fixtures.
The timing of the tournament represents a departure from previous seasons, which were held in February and March just before the IPL. This January-February window ensures the WPL will not clash with major international fixtures, allowing teams to field their strongest line-ups. The week of the final coincides with other international competitions, including the conclusion of the men’s Under-19 World Cup on February 6 and the commencement of the men’s T20 World Cup on February 7.
Defending champions Mumbai Indians will be aiming for their third title in four editions, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals, who have consistently reached the final stages, will seek to improve on past performances. DC have finished as runners-up in all three previous seasons, while Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz have yet to make it to the title round.
WPL 2026 Full Schedule
Match 1: Friday, January 9, Evening – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Navi Mumbai
Match 2: Saturday, January 10, Afternoon – UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants at Navi Mumbai
Match 3: Saturday, January 10, Evening – Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals at Navi Mumbai
Match 4: Sunday, January 11, Evening – Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants at Navi Mumbai
Match 5: Monday, January 12, Evening – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz at Navi Mumbai
Match 6: Tuesday, January 13, Evening – Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants at Navi Mumbai
Match 7: Wednesday, January 14, Evening – UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals at Navi Mumbai
Match 8: Thursday, January 15, Evening – Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz at Navi Mumbai
Match 9: Friday, January 16, Evening – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants at Navi Mumbai
Match 10: Saturday, January 17, Afternoon – UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians at Navi Mumbai
Match 11: Saturday, January 17, Evening – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Navi Mumbai
Match 12: Sunday, January 18 – No match scheduled
Match 13: Monday, January 19, Evening – Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Vadodara
Match 14: Tuesday, January 20, Evening – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians at Vadodara
Match 15: Wednesday, January 21 – No match scheduled
Match 16: Thursday, January 22, Evening – Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz at Vadodara
Match 17: Friday, January 23 – No match scheduled
Match 18: Saturday, January 24, Evening – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals at Vadodara
Match 19: Sunday, January 25 – No match scheduled
Match 20: Monday, January 26, Evening – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians at Vadodara
Match 21: Tuesday, January 27, Evening – Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals at Vadodara
Match 22: Wednesday, January 28 – No match scheduled
Match 23: Thursday, January 29, Evening – UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Vadodara
Match 24: Friday, January 30, Evening – Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians at Vadodara
Match 25: Saturday, January 31 – No match scheduled
Match 26: Sunday, February 1, Evening – Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz at Vadodara
Match 27: Monday, February 2 – No match scheduled
Playoffs:
Match 28: Tuesday, February 3, Evening – Eliminator at Vadodara
Match 29: Wednesday, February 4 – No match scheduled
Match 30: Thursday, February 5, Evening – Final at Vadodara
The Journey
The Women’s Premier League has delivered two different champions in its first two seasons. The debut edition in 2023 saw Mumbai Indians secure the trophy by defeating Meg Lanning’s Delhi Capitals. The following season featured a new champion as Smriti Mandhana’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their maiden title, with Delhi Capitals finishing runners up for the second time in a row.
Mumbai Indians reclaimed the championship last season, earning their second WPL title, while Delhi Capitals ended up as runners up for the third consecutive year.
