The wait is over. WPL 2026 started with a bang! BCCI just announced the complete WPL time table 2026. Fans had been asking about the schedule for weeks now. Jayesh George, who heads the WPL, shared everything during the recent auction event.
Mark your calendars because women’s cricket returns. The WPL runs from January 9 through February 5 this year. You’ll get to watch matches happening almost daily for a whole month. Pretty much every day brings fresh WPL action in the 4th season.
Two cities get the honour of hosting matches this time. Navi Mumbai and Vadodara will welcome all five WPL teams. BCCI chose a clever “caravan model” where teams move together between these venues. This helps everyone get proper rest between games.
Opening Match and First Leg Details
The Mumbai Indians lifted the trophy last season. They kick off their title defence on January 9, 2026. RCB comes to DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai for this opener. Match time is set for 7:30 PM IST.
DY Patil Stadium holds a special place in many hearts right now. Indian fans remember the ODI World Cup moments here vividly. The venue is now getting ready to host the first 11 league matches.
Navi Mumbai becomes cricket central from January 9 to 17. Every team plays multiple games at the same ground during the opening leg. The pitch won’t have any secrets left by the end!
Second Leg and Playoff Time Table
Once Navi Mumbai wraps up, everything shifts to Vadodara. The Gujarat venue takes charge of the next 11 league games in 2026. All playoff matches also happen here, making Vadodara the season finale destination.
Here’s how the WPL playoffs work this year. Four teams make it based on league position. First place goes straight to the final without playing another game. What a reward for topping the table!
The Eliminator pits second against third on February 3, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Whoever wins that faces the fourth team in Qualifier 2. February 5 brings the big WPL final at 7:30 PM in Vadodara.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
| Jan 9 | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Navi Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 10 | UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai | 3:30 PM |
| Jan 10 | Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 11 | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 12 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 13 | Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 14 | UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 15 | Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 16 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 17 | UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians | Navi Mumbai | 3:30 PM |
| Jan 17 | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Navi Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 19 | Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 20 | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 22 | Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 24 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 26 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 27 | Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 29 | UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 30 | Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 01 | Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 03 | Eliminator (TBA vs TBA) | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 5 | WPL Final 2026 (TBA vs TBA) | Vadodara | 7:30 PM |
Why This WPL Schedule Starts Early
Notice something different about the WPL schedule this year? It begins much earlier than past editions this year. The men’s T20 World Cup starts February 7, which explains the timing.
BCCI didn’t want both tournaments running together. Separate games mean WPL gets undivided attention from cricket lovers. Indian stars can also finish commitments before their World Cup duties begin.
Jayesh George talked about avoiding conflicts while keeping fan excitement high. The Mumbai Indians obviously want another championship trophy this season. But other teams grabbed quality players at the auction recently. Expect some really tight contests throughout the time table!
