MI-RCB clash to kickstart WPL 2026

Defending and two-time champions Mumbai Indians will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament opener of WPL 2026 in Navi Mumbai on January 9.

The fourth season of the league will run from January 9 to February 5, with Navi Mumbai and Vadodara set to share hosting duties. Navi Mumbai will stage the first 11 games from January 9-17.

The league then moves to Vadodara for the remaining 11 fixtures, starting with a clash between Gujarat Giants and RCB. The league phase will run until February 1. UP Warriorz have been allotted the afternoon games on the only two double-header days of the season (January 10 and 17).

The Eliminator, between the teams finishing second and third, will be played on February 3, with the table-topper going through to the final on February 5 in Vadodara.

The squads for the five teams were finalised earlier this week at the first-ever mega auction. The league has an earlier than usual start date to accommodate the men's T20 World Cup that will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from mid February onwards.