Cricket fans have something exciting to look forward to in early 2026. The BCCI just dropped the complete WPL 2026 schedule for everyone. Women’s cricket is about to take center stage across India again soon.
When Does WPL 2026 Start
The tournament kicks off on January 9 with a blockbuster opening match. Mumbai Indians take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to start things off properly. This clash between two major franchises sets the tone for everything that follows.
The WPL 2026 schedule runs all the way till February 5 this year. That’s nearly a month of non-stop women’s cricket action for supporters. A total of twenty-two matches will be played across the entire tournament.
League matches wrap up by February 1 before playoffs begin immediately afterwards. The Eliminator happens on February 3 between the second and third-place teams. February 5 hosts the big final that decides the Women Premier League champion.
Two Cities Hosting All the Action
Navi Mumbai gets the first leg of matches from January 9 to 17. Eleven games will be played at this venue during the opening phase. Fans in Mumbai get to watch their home team along with others.
Then everything shifts to Vadodara for the second leg of the WPL 2026 matches. Another eleven games happen here, including all the crucial playoff contests. The final also takes place in Vadodara on February 5 this season.
Having just two venues makes travel easier for teams throughout the tournament. Players can settle into conditions quickly without constant city-hopping around India. The WPL 2026 schedule was designed keeping player welfare in mind clearly.
Playoffs Format Explained Simply
The team finishing first on the points table gets a direct final entry. They can relax and watch while others fight in the Eliminator game. This rewards consistency throughout the league stage matches in 2026.
Second and third-place teams battle it out in the Eliminator on February 3. The winner joins the table-toppers in the Women Premier League final two days later. Losing the Eliminator means your WPL 2026 journey ends there sadly.
The schedule ensures every match matters right from January 9 onwards. No team can afford to lose too many games early on.
