WPL 2026 Likely to Begin in Early January, Venue Decision Expected Soon: Sources

India, Nov 18 : The 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is likely to begin in early January, with final decisions on venues expected soon, sources told IANS on Monday. Last season, the WPL was hosted across Lucknow, Bengaluru, Vadodara, and Mumbai, with the Harmanpreet Kaur led Mumbai Indians clinching their second title at Brabourne Stadium.

For WPL 2026, the tournament could start as early as January 7, though January 6 and 8 are also under consideration. The final is expected in the February 1–3 window and will be finalised once dates for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka are announced. The WPL will mark its first-ever January schedule, having previously been held in February and March, aligning with the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP).

Venue discussions are ongoing, with two main options on the table. One proposal includes DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Another option is to split the season, hosting the first half at DY Patil and the second leg at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Vadodara is being considered for the latter half due to the stadium hosting the India-New Zealand men’s ODI opener on January 11.

An official announcement on WPL 2026 dates and venues is expected during the mega auction scheduled in New Delhi on November 27. “Chances are very good for Vadodara to be an additional venue. We are waiting for the official schedule confirmation. WPL team owners are actively following up,” said a senior Baroda Cricket Association official.