The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is strongly considering Mumbai and Baroda as the host cities for the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in early 2026. According to reports from Cricbuzz, the BCCI is planning to split the tournament into two phases, with Mumbai and Vadodara as the key venues for the matches. This move comes as the board aims to elevate the WPL’s profile while offering iconic cricket stadiums for the event.
DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai Likely to Be Key Venue
One of the major venues under consideration for the 2026 season is the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, which has sentimental significance for Indian women cricketers. This venue previously hosted the Women’s World Cup final, making it a favorite for many players. Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, even expressed her love for the stadium on social media, sharing the message “Jai DY Patil” (Hail DY Patil) after India’s World Cup win at this venue. With its history and relevance to women’s cricket, DY Patil Stadium is expected to be a major part of the WPL 2026 season.
WPL 2026 to Be Played in Two Phases: Mumbai and Vadodara
The WPL 2026 is likely to be divided into two distinct legs. The first part of the tournament will be played in Mumbai, followed by the second leg in Vadodara. The Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara is anticipated to host the later stages of the competition, including the much-awaited final. The Vadodara leg is expected to begin around January 16, 2026, following a men’s ODI between India and New Zealand in the city on January 11.
The exact dates for the tournament are yet to be confirmed, but it is believed the WPL 2026 will run from January 7 to February 3, 2026. This schedule marks a change from previous seasons, which typically took place later in the year during February and March.
Permanent January Window for WPL
In a bid to avoid clashes with other major cricket leagues and the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, the BCCI is reportedly considering January as a permanent window for the WPL going forward. This would help in establishing a fixed schedule for the league, making it more accessible and predictable for teams, players, and fans.
While the BCCI has not formally communicated these plans to franchise owners, the details are expected to be confirmed during the WPL auction on November 27, 2025, in New Delhi. The five WPL franchise owners will likely be informed about the venue specifics at that time.
As the WPL continues to grow in prominence, the 2026 season promises to offer exciting cricket, iconic venues, and a new era for women’s sport in India. Stay tuned for more updates as the official announcements are made.
