WPL 2026: Women’s cricket will return quickly to the iconic DY Patil Stadium, which hosted the unforgettable Women’s World Cup final earlier this month.
According to insiders, the venue is likely to stage the opening leg of the WPL 2026, with BCCI sealing Mumbai and Baroda as the two host cities for its fourth season. Given the fact that players and spectators view DY Patil as a favourite venue, it is the leading choice for this season’s launch.
Baroda to host the final phase and deciding matches.
If scheduling goes according to plan, the second phase of action, comprising the playoffs and final, will shift base to the Kotambi Stadium in Baroda. The Baroda leg is expected to start after January 16, given the men’s ODI match between India and New Zealand is slotted for January 11.
Although the BCCI has not sent out a formal notification to the franchises, discussions on venues have started informally. The five participating teams should get an official confirmation during the WPL auction in New Delhi on November 27.
Cities Considered for WPL 2026
Four cities were in contention to host WPL 2026:
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Mumbai
Baroda
Lucknow
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Bengaluru
Mumbai and Baroda have emerged as the preferred venues, having also hosted matches during WPL 3.
Possible Tournament Window: January 7 – February 3
Though not officially announced yet, the five-team league is expected to take place from January 7 to February 3. Unlike last season, which took place in February–March, the January window has been unofficially locked for several strategic reasons.
Why the Earlier Window?
Men’s T20 World Cup:
It is scheduled to take place in early February in both India and Sri Lanka, which is why the WPL had to be completed before it.
Global Alignment:
January is being positioned as the permanent international window for the WPL, helping to avoid clashes with other women’s leagues and the ICC Future Tours Programme. Mumbai Indians Enter as Defending Champions The Mumbai Indians will start WPL 2026 as the reigning champions, having defeated the Delhi Capitals in last year’s final at the Brabourne Stadium.
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