WPL 2026 Dates Finally Revealed
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The upcoming edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) is likely to be played in early January 2026, since the tournament is likely to be completed before the onset of the Men's 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Currently, the Mumbai Indians are the defending champions of the WPL, after they beat the Delhi Capitals for the second time in the finals. The Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise with 2 titles, while the Royal Challengers Bengaluru women have won 1 title. The Gujarat Giants and the UP Warriorz are the other teams in the WPL.
Women's Premier League 2026 Schedule revealed
The fourth season of the Women's Premier League, the franchise-level tournament for women cricketers in India, is all set to be held in January 2026. The Times of India has reported that the WPL has been shifted from the Feb-March window to the month of January.
The tournament has been preponed due to its completion before the Men's 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The ICC event will be held in the same window as February-March.
"The tournament is likely to start on Jan 6 or Jan 8, 2026" a source told TOI. The tournament being advanced also means that the auction of WPL, which is normally held in December, could be held in November this time.
WPL has been cited as the reason behind the success of young Indian Women
Just before the opening match of the ODI series between India and Australia at the Punjab Cricket Association's Mullanpur Stadium, Indian Women's captain Harmanpreet Kaur also hailed the WPL for the way Indian youngsters have come through in recent times.
"They’ve (Team India's young women cricketers) been very exciting. Four or five years ago, there was a big gap between domestic and international cricket. But in the last five–six years, with back-to-back matches being telecast, young girls are much better prepared."
"Players like Kranti (Goud) and Pratika (Rawal) came in looking ready, not like they needed extra time. That’s a huge positive. The WPL has also played a big role in closing that gap. I just hope they keep performing this way," stated the Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
Amol Mazumdar coins WPL as an "integral part" in the progress of players
After the Indian team had won their first-ever T20I series against England on English soil, the head coach, Amol Mazumdar, credited India's accomplishment to the domestic tournaments. He mentioned that the WPL has played an integral role in the success of Indian Women cricketers.
“WPL has been an integral part of the progress of the players. There’s no doubt about it. But there are other tournaments as well in India, which we really have a good look at. There are so many domestic players playing."
"WPL is just a part of the initiative of the BCCI. So, I think it’s been a happy hunting ground for us, the WPL. But at the same time, there are other tournaments which also take the importance,” said the Indian Women's team coach Amol Mazumdar.
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WPL 2026 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Mumbai Indians Women RCB Women Delhi Capitals Women Gujarat Giants Women UP Warriorz Women Women's Premier League
