WPL 2026: The dates for the Women’s Premier League 2026 are finally out, and fans can start counting down the days. Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, which recently hosted the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final, has been chosen to host the opening match this season.
This will be the fourth edition of the WPL, with the Mumbai Indians entering once again as the defending champions. The mega-auction has already shaken things up, with several star players set to wear new colours after being released by their former teams. Even seasoned names like Meg Lanning, Alyssa Healy, and India’s own Deepti Sharma were let go by their franchises before the auction frenzy began.
WPL 2026 Schedule Announced During High-Voltage Auction
The WPL has traditionally been played in the January to February window. However, with the ICC T20 World Cup also taking place in India around the same time, the league has shifted slightly forward. The tournament will now run from January 9 to February 5.
Matches will be played across two venues. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host the season opener and the early-stage fixtures, while the final will take place at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
WPL 2026: UP Warriorz Spend Big to Bring Back Deepti Sharma
One of the biggest talking points of the auction was the return of Deepti Sharma to the UP Warriorz. The star all-rounder was India’s standout performer in the World Cup, scoring over 200 runs and finishing with the most wickets. She even took home the Player of the Tournament award.
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Despite releasing her earlier, the Warriorz were clearly determined to have her back. They won an intense bidding war and secured her for an incredible INR 3.2 crore, making her one of the marquee signings of the day.
The team also parted ways with former captain Alyssa Healy and could now turn to Meg Lanning as a possible new leader.
Big Moves: Wolvaardt to Delhi, Lanning and Ecclestone to UP, Kerr Back to Mumbai
South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who was her team’s top scorer in the World Cup, has been picked up by the Delhi Capitals for INR 1.10 crore after being released by the Gujarat Giants. With her experience and consistent form, she may even step into a leadership role.
UP Warriorz also secured Meg Lanning, who previously led Delhi Capitals to back-to-back finals. Joining her is world-class spinner Sophie Ecclestone, forming a strong trio alongside Deepti Sharma.
Mumbai Indians made another major splash by bringing back Amy Kerr for INR 3 crore, making her one of the most expensive overseas players this season.
The biggest surprise of the auction, however, was Alyssa Healy going unsold. Her recurring injuries and recent absences may have influenced the decision, but it remains one of the day’s most unexpected outcomes.
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