WPL 2026 likely in Mumbai and Baroda from Jan 7 to Feb 3

Women's cricket is set to return to DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, which recently hosted the memorable final of the Women's World Cup. The venue is expected to host one of the two legs of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in January 2026.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has selected Mumbai and Baroda for the fourth season of the WPL. DY Patil Stadium, a favorite among many Indian women cricketers, is likely to host the season opener.

The second half of the tournament, including the final, is planned to be held at the Kotambi Stadium in Baroda. The Baroda leg may begin around January 16, as a men's ODI between India and New Zealand is scheduled in the city on January 11.

While the BCCI has not yet formally informed franchise owners, venues are being discussed informally. The five teams are expected to receive official notification during the WPL auction in New Delhi on November 27. Four cities were in contention: Lucknow, Bengaluru, Baroda, and Mumbai—the latter two having hosted WPL 3.

Season may kick off on January 7

Although there is no formal confirmation, the five-team league is likely to be held from January 7 to February 3. Last year, the WPL took place in February and March, but the January window has been locked in for multiple reasons.

First, the men's T20 World Cup begins in the first week of February and will be held in India and Sri Lanka for a month. Second, January has been agreed upon as a potential permanent window for the WPL to avoid clashes with other leagues and the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP).

Mumbai Indians are the defending champions, having beaten Delhi Capitals last year at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.