Women’s Premier League 2026: Fourth Season Set to Kick Off on January 7

India’s Women’s Cricket Spectacle Returns with Mumbai and Baroda as Hosts

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is all set to enthrall cricket fans once again. India’s female cricket stars are ready to showcase their talent, and the fourth season promises to be bigger, better, and more thrilling than ever. The WPL 2026 will officially begin on January 7, with the grand finale expected to be played on February 3. Mumbai and Baroda have been selected as host cities, setting the stage for an action-packed tournament.

According to Cricbuzz, the opening matches of the league may be played at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, a venue that recently hosted the Women’s World Cup final. Baroda will host the remaining matches, including the final at Kotambi Stadium. The Baroda leg of the tournament may start from January 16, as the stadium will host an India vs. New Zealand ODI match on January 11.

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Mega Auction Brings New Excitement

For the first time in WPL history, a mega auction will take place, scheduled for November 27 in Delhi. The auction promises to shake up team compositions and create a buzz among fans. Franchises can retain up to five players, allowing them to build a strong core squad while also adding fresh talent.

The mega auction is expected to introduce several emerging players to the spotlight while giving experienced players an opportunity to assert their dominance. This strategic reshuffling could make the tournament highly unpredictable and more thrilling than previous seasons.

Past Seasons Hosted Across Four Cities

In the third season of WPL, matches were held across four cities: Lucknow, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Baroda. These cities witnessed incredible crowds and enthusiastic support for women’s cricket. While the BCCI has not officially confirmed venues for the upcoming season, informal discussions suggest that Mumbai and Baroda will be the primary host cities.

Lucknow and Bengaluru also bid to host matches, but the focus has shifted to two cities to simplify logistics and reduce travel fatigue for players.

Mumbai Indians: A Record of Dominance

Mumbai Indians Women have been the most successful franchise in WPL history, winning two titles so far. They claimed the inaugural season in 2023 and again dominated the third season in 2025. The second season in 2024 was won by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has led Mumbai Indians with exceptional skill and strategy, making them one of the strongest contenders for the upcoming season. Her leadership and aggressive cricket style have made Mumbai Indians a team to watch.

Key Players Retained

On November 6, the WPL retention list was released, highlighting the teams’ trust in their core players.

Mumbai retained captain Harmanpreet Kaur
Bengaluru retained Smriti Mandhana
Delhi retained Jamima Rodrigues

These players strengthen their teams’ batting line-ups and bring invaluable experience, ensuring a high-quality competition. Retention allows franchises to maintain stability while strategically filling remaining spots during the mega auction.

Why WPL is Being Held in January

The first three seasons of WPL were held in March, but the 2026 edition will take place in January for two main reasons:

Men’s T20 World Cup: Starting in early February between India and Sri Lanka, lasting a month. Shifting WPL avoids schedule conflicts.
Permanent WPL Window: January is now considered the ideal window for the league, ensuring no clashes with other T20 leagues or ICC Future Tours Program, allowing players to focus entirely on the tournament.

This strategic shift ensures players can perform at their best, and fans get a complete, uninterrupted season of world-class women’s cricket.

WPL’s Growing Influence

The WPL has revolutionized women’s cricket in India. It provides young players with an international platform, financial security, and professional training opportunities. Today, India’s women cricketers are among the most-followed athletes globally, and WPL plays a crucial role in this rise.

The third season saw record-breaking attendance and viewership, proving that women’s cricket has entered mainstream Indian sports. Teams like Mumbai Indians and RCB have successfully drawn massive crowds, making each match a spectacle.

Why the Fourth Season Will Be Special

The fourth WPL season promises to be memorable for several reasons:

The first-ever mega auction ensures new player dynamics and strategic team changes.
Hosting matches in Mumbai and Baroda will engage passionate local fans.
Matches in Baroda post-India vs. New Zealand ODI will create a charged atmosphere.
Past rivalries and the defending champions Mumbai Indians add excitement.
Young players will get a platform to shine, and veterans will assert dominance.

Anticipated Atmosphere and Fan Excitement

Fans are already gearing up for a spectacular season. DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai has a history of massive turnouts for women’s matches, and the enthusiasm is expected to peak again.

Baroda’s Kotambi Stadium is rapidly gaining popularity among local fans, and hosting the final there will create a high-energy environment, perfect for an unforgettable conclusion to the season.

Conclusion

The fourth season of the Women’s Premier League marks a new chapter in Indian women’s cricket. Starting January 7, WPL 2026 promises to deliver unmatched excitement, competitive cricket, and inspiring performances.

With Mumbai and Baroda as hosts, the first-ever mega auction, retained star players, and growing global attention, this season is set to be historic. The WPL is not just a league—it is a platform inspiring a new generation of female cricketers, proving that Indian women’s cricket has firmly established itself on the world stage and will continue to soar in the years to come.