The anticipation surrounding women’s cricket in India continues to build as reports suggest the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to host the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League in early 2026. According to a report from Cricbuzz, the WPL 2026 is likely to begin on January 7, 2026, and will go on till February 3, 2026, marking a significant shift from the traditional February-March window that hosted previous editions.
Table of Contents
WPL 2026 Venue Reports: Two-City Format Under Consideration
Multiple reports indicate the BCCI is considering Mumbai and Baroda (also known as Vadodara) as the host cities for this prestigious tournament. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, which recently hosted India Women’s historic World Cup triumph, is likely to host the WPL 2026 opening match as well as the first half of the season. This venue holds special significance for Indian women’s cricket, having witnessed some of the most memorable moments in recent history.
Reported WPL 2026 Stadium and Schedule Breakdown
| Tournament Phase | Venue | Stadium | Tentative Dates | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Leg | Navi Mumbai | DY Patil Stadium | January 7-15, 2026 (Reported) | Opening match and initial league games |
| Second Leg | Baroda (Vadodara) | Kotambi Stadium | January 16 onwards (Reported) | Includes playoffs and final |
| Grand Final | Baroda (Vadodara) | Kotambi Stadium | February 3, 2026 (Reported) | Championship decider |
It is expected that the second leg of the tournament, which is likely to be played in Baroda, will begin from January 16, as a men’s ODI between India and New Zealand is scheduled for January 11 in Baroda. The timing has reportedly been carefully coordinated to avoid clashing with other major sporting events.
Strategic Timing: WPL 2026 Seeks Permanent January Window
The potential shift to a January window represents a significant strategic move by the BCCI. This will be the first time WPL will be held in the January window, as per the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), after being previously held in February and March. This scheduling would ensure that the Women’s Premier League receives maximum attention without competing with other franchise leagues or international commitments.
Sources indicate that the WPL 2026 final date will be fixed five days before the Men’s T20 World Cup begins in India and Sri Lanka, allowing seamless transition between major cricket events while ensuring the women’s tournament concludes before the spotlight shifts to the men’s global championship.
Official Announcement Expected at WPL 2026 Auction
While multiple sources have reported these details, the BCCI has not yet made a formal announcement to franchise owners. The BCCI is yet to formally inform the five franchises, even as the venues are being discussed at an informal level. The five teams are expected to be officially notified about the venues for WPL 2026 during the auction, scheduled on November 27 in New Delhi.
A senior Baroda Cricket Association official stated: “Chances are very good for Vadodara to be the additional venue for WPL 2026. Everyone is just waiting for the confirmation and the schedule. So we are just keeping our fingers crossed and waiting for the official confirmation. Many people are calling, including the WPL team owners“.
WPL 2026 Mega Auction: The Stage is Set
The Women’s Premier League has officially confirmed one crucial date: the mega auction will take place on November 27, 2025, in New Delhi. This auction promises to be one of the most significant events in WPL history, with several global superstars entering the player pool.
WPL 2026 Team Retention Summary
| Team | Players Retained | Purse Remaining | RTM Cards Available | Key Retentions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | 5 | ₹5.75 crore | 0 | Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews |
| Delhi Capitals | 5 | ₹5.75 crore | 0 | Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 4 | ₹6.25 crore | 1 | Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry |
| Gujarat Giants | 2 | ₹9 crore | 3 | Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney |
| UP Warriorz | 1 | ₹14.5 crore | 4 | Shweta Sehrawat |
Defending champions Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals have retained the maximum five players permitted by the league and will have the lowest purse in the auction. This strategic decision indicates both teams are confident in their core groups and aim to maintain continuity heading into the 2026 season.
Major Stars Available in WPL 2026 Auction Pool
The mega auction has generated significant buzz due to the caliber of players who will go under the hammer. Australia’s Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning, along with New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr, are set to enter the auction pool after being released by their respective teams.
Perhaps the most surprising release comes from UP Warriorz. UP Warriorz did not retain Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Tournament at the ODI Women’s World Cup, who captained the team in Alyssa Healy’s absence during WPL 2025. This decision has shocked the cricketing community, as Deepti was instrumental in India’s recent World Cup triumph.
Other notable names expected to attract significant bids include Laura Wolvaardt, who dominated the World Cup with 571 runs including centuries in both the semifinal and final, South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk, and several promising Indian domestic players who showcased their talent on the international stage.
Retention Rules and Auction Dynamics
The WPL 2026 mega auction rules allow each franchise to retain up to five players ahead of the auction, with certain limits on player categories to ensure competitive balance. A franchise can retain a maximum of three capped Indian players, two overseas players, or two uncapped Indian players.
The retention cost structure follows a fixed slab system:
- First retained player: ₹3.5 crore
- Second retained player: ₹2.5 crore
- Third retained player: ₹1.75 crore
- Fourth retained player: ₹1 crore
- Fifth retained player: ₹50 lakh
For the first time, the Women’s Premier League will also introduce a Right-to-Match (RTM) option at the auction, allowing franchises to buy back a player who was part of their 2025 squad. This strategic tool adds a new dimension to auction tactics, enabling teams to reclaim released players without using retention slots.
UP Warriorz: Positioned for Major Rebuild
The UP Warriorz have taken the most aggressive approach heading into the WPL 2026 auction. By retaining only uncapped all-rounder Shweta Sehrawat, they enter the auction with approximately ₹14.5 crore—the largest purse among all five franchises—and four RTM cards at their disposal.
This financial flexibility positions them to make big-ticket signings and potentially reshape their entire squad. The team finished at the bottom of the table in WPL 2025, making a comprehensive rebuild a strategic necessity rather than just an option.
Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals: Continuity Over Change
Both two-time champions Mumbai Indians and three-time runners-up Delhi Capitals have opted for continuity, retaining their maximum allowed five players. Delhi Capitals’ retentions include Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, two young stars who played pivotal roles in India’s ICC Women’s World Cup triumph with standout performances in the knockout stages.
Mumbai Indians’ decision to retain Nat Sciver-Brunt as their top retention (valued at ₹3.5 crore) ahead of captain Harmanpreet Kaur (₹2.5 crore) raised eyebrows but demonstrates the English all-rounder’s immense value to the franchise. Sciver-Brunt leads the WPL in runs scored across its three-year history.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Balanced Approach
RCB have retained four players, keeping one RTM card and ₹6.25 crore for the auction. RCB captain Smriti Mandhana was retained for INR 3.5 crore, while wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh was retained for INR 2.75 crore, the second-highest bracket. Their retention strategy balances maintaining a strong core while preserving auction flexibility.
The defending champions from 2024 have backed their trusted combination of Mandhana, Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, and the in-form Shreyanka Patil, signaling their intention to build around this nucleus.
Gujarat Giants: Fresh Start Strategy
Gujarat Giants have taken a middle-ground approach by retaining just two overseas players—captain Beth Mooney and all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner—both for top-tier amounts. This leaves them with ₹9 crore and three RTM cards, providing substantial flexibility to rebuild around their overseas core while targeting Indian talent in the auction.
Impact of India’s World Cup Victory on WPL 2026
India’s historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 victory has injected fresh enthusiasm into the upcoming WPL season. World Cup winner Sneh Rana explained the tournament’s impact: “The growth starts from domestic cricket, especially now that matches are televised. Young girls watch and feel motivated to represent their states. WPL has sped up this entire process“.
The exposure gained by players like Shree Charani, who made her international debut during the World Cup, demonstrates how the WPL ecosystem has accelerated player development. The confidence gained from sharing dressing rooms with international superstars in the WPL translated directly into performance at the World Cup.
Venue Selection Rationale
The reported choice of venues reflects both practical and sentimental considerations. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai witnessed India’s World Cup final victory, making it an emotionally resonant venue for fans and players alike. Sources indicate one option is to host the tournament at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, which is now a venue forever etched in the women’s Indian team’s memory, and the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
Baroda’s inclusion makes logistical sense given the city’s recent investment in cricket infrastructure and its growing reputation as a preferred venue for major matches. The Kotambi Stadium’s selection for the playoffs and final would mark the venue’s first experience hosting a WPL finale.
What This Means for Women’s Cricket in India
The reported January window for WPL 2026 represents more than just a scheduling change—it signals the tournament’s growing stature in the global cricket calendar. By securing a dedicated window that doesn’t clash with other major leagues or international cricket, the BCCI is ensuring that the Women’s Premier League receives undivided attention from fans, broadcasters, and stakeholders.
The mega auction on November 27 will provide the first official platform for the BCCI to confirm tournament dates and venues, bringing clarity to the speculation that has dominated recent reports. Until then, franchises, players, and fans eagerly await official confirmation of what promises to be another thrilling chapter in Indian women’s cricket history.
Read More: KKR Release Andre Russell: Franchise Parts Ways With Caribbean Legend After 11 Years
FAQs
When is WPL 2026 expected to begin?
According to multiple reports, WPL 2026 is likely to kick off on January 7, 2026, and continue until February 3, 2026, though the BCCI has not officially confirmed these dates yet. The official announcement is expected during the mega auction on November 27, 2025.
Which cities will reportedly host the Women’s Premier League 2026?
Reports suggest Mumbai (Navi Mumbai) and Baroda (Vadodara) are the likely host cities. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai is expected to host the first leg, while the Kotambi Stadium in Baroda may host the second leg including the final.
When is the WPL 2026 mega auction taking place?
The WPL 2026 mega auction is officially scheduled for November 27, 2025, in New Delhi. This is the only confirmed date announced by the BCCI so far, and venue details are expected to be shared during this event.
Which team has the largest auction purse for WPL 2026?
UP Warriorz have the largest auction purse with approximately ₹14.5 crore after retaining only one player (Shweta Sehrawat). They also have four Right-to-Match (RTM) cards available, giving them maximum flexibility for squad rebuilding.
Which major players will be available in the WPL 2026 auction?
Notable players entering the auction pool include Deepti Sharma (World Cup Player of the Tournament), Australian legends Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning, New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and Nadine de Klerk, among others.
