WPL 2026 full schedule: Defending champion MI to face RCB in the opening match, final in Vadodara

The BCCI has announced the schedule for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, starting January 9 with a match between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

RCB will face Mumbai Indians in the opening match of WPL 2026.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the schedule for the fourth edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026, kicking off with a dream clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on January 9 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This high-stakes opener sets the tone for a compact 22-match league phase running until February 5, split across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.

DY Patil to host first 11 games

Fresh from a mega auction that reshaped squads, WPL 2026 promises fiercer rivalries with revamped lineups boasting global stars. MI, two-time winners, face RCB in a repeat of past thrillers.

Navi Mumbai hosts the first 11 games (January 9-17), including double-headers on January 10 and 17 featuring UP Warriorz in afternoon slots.

Action then shifts to Vadodara's Greenfield International Stadium for the remaining 11 league fixtures, starting with Gujarat Giants vs RCB, plus playoffs: Eliminator on February 3 (2nd vs 3rd), and Final on February 5, pitting the topper against the Eliminator winner.

Read also: Top 5 teams with the most participations in FIFA World Cup history.

The early start aligns perfectly with women's cricket's global January window, ensuring no overlap with the men's T20WC from mid-February.

DY Patil, WPL's spiritual home, offers batting-friendly tracks under lights, while Vadodara debuts for league games, adding fresh intrigue with its balanced surfaces.

WPL 2026: Full schedule

Final squad of each freanchise for WPL 2026

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