The WPL 2026 schedule is finally out. The BCCI has confirmed that the league will run from January 9 to February 5, and the timing works perfectly. The tournament arrives at a moment when fans want more women’s cricket, and this early start sets the right mood for the year.
The league will begin in Navi Mumbai, a city known for energetic crowds that create the kind of noise an opening day needs. The very first match is a big one- Mumbai Indians vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The organizers could not have chosen a better start.
It feels like the perfect way to open the tournament. MI are the defending champions. RCB are always in the spotlight. Both teams have massive fanbases. And after last season’s tension between them, this fixture adds extra flavour to the opening night.
Navi Mumbai will host the first 11 matches, packed into nine days. The schedule is tight, leaving teams little time to overthink. They will arrive and play hard, and the strongest sides will stand out early.
The Shift to Vadodara
After January 17, the entire tournament will move to Vadodara, continuing the caravan model that has worked well. One city gets the early rush, while the other gets the pressure-filled second half. Vadodara usually enjoys strong cricket crowds, and this time, the city gets the bigger share of the league, including the final.
The first match in Vadodara will be Gujarat Giants vs. RCB, a solid way to welcome fans in the new venue. But the real drama begins right after that when Delhi Capitals face Mumbai Indians. These two teams played the 2025 final, and their matches always carry extra fire. It is a fixture that brings out the best in both sides.
Vadodara will host matches until February 1, a phase where the league truly takes shape. By this point, teams know their form, combinations, and weaknesses. Every win becomes crucial. Every mistake becomes costly.
WPL 2026: Road to the final
| Dates | Home Teams | Away Teams | Venues |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 9, 2026 | Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Navi Mumbai |
| January 10, 2026 | UP Warriorz | Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| January 10, 2026 | Mumbai Indians | Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| January 11, 2026 | Delhi Capitals | Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| January 12, 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| January 13, 2026 | Mumbai Indians | Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| January 14, 2026 | UP Warriorz | Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| January 15, 2026 | Mumbai Indians | UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| January 16, 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| January 17, 2026 | UP Warriorz | Mumbai Indians | Navi Mumbai |
| January 17, 2026 | Delhi Capitals | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Navi Mumbai |
| January 19, 2026 | Gujarat Giants | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| January 20, 2026 | Delhi Capitals | Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| January 22, 2026 | Gujarat Giants | UP Warriorz | Vadodara |
| January 24, 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| January 26, 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| January 27, 2026 | Gujarat Giants | Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| January 29, 2026 | UP Warriorz | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| January 30, 2026 | Gujarat Giants | Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| February 1, 2026 | Delhi Capitals | UP Warriorz | Vadodara |
| February 3, 2026 | Eliminator | – | Vadodara |
| February 5, 2026 | Final | – | Vadodara |
The playoff format remains unchanged, and it continues to be the fairest system for the league. The team finishing first on the table goes straight to the final. No shortcuts for the rest. Only the most consistent team earns that luxury.
Teams finishing second and third will meet in the Eliminator on February 3. It is a high-pressure, knockout clash. Win and move to the final. Lose and bow out.
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The grand final will take place on February 5, again in Vadodara. Keeping the playoffs and final in one venue ensures a consistent atmosphere and avoids unnecessary travel. The league starts earlier this time, and the Men’s T20 World Cup follows soon after. Fans can enjoy the WPL first and then switch their attention to the World Cup.
