WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is ready to light up the Indian cricket calendar with a spectacular opening ceremony that promises glamour, music, and high-voltage cricket.
As the fourth edition of the league gets underway, defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in what is expected to be a blockbuster season opener.
With women’s cricket continuing its meteoric rise in India, the BCCI has planned a grand curtain-raiser that reflects the league’s growing stature and fan following.
Here’s a complete breakdown of everything you need to know about the WPL 2026 opening ceremony and the opening match.
WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony: Date, Time and Venue
The WPL 2026 opening ceremony will take place on:
- Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
- Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Opening Ceremony Time: Around 6:30 PM IST
- Match Start Time: 7:30 PM IST (MI vs RCB)
The iconic DY Patil Stadium is no stranger to marquee events and is expected to be packed with fans eager to witness both entertainment and elite women’s cricket under the lights.
When and Where to Watch WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony Live
Fans across India and around the world can catch the grand event live:
- Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioCinema app and website
From the opening ceremony performances to the first ball of WPL 2026, viewers won’t miss a moment of the action.
Star-Studded Lineup for the Opening Ceremony
The WPL 2026 opening ceremony will feature a dazzling mix of music, dance, and inspiration. The BCCI has confirmed a celebrity-packed entertainment lineup, which has already created massive buzz on social media.
Confirmed performers and guests include:
- Yo Yo Honey Singh – set to bring high-energy beats to the stadium
- Jacqueline Fernandez – expected to deliver a special performance celebrating the confidence and courage of women in sports
- Harnaaz Sandhu (Miss Universe 2021) – adding elegance and star power to the evening
The ceremony aims to celebrate not just cricket, but the journey and empowerment of women athletes in India.
WPL 2026 Tournament Details
The WPL 2026 season will feature:
- Total Teams: 5
- Total Matches: 22
- Venues: Navi Mumbai and Vadodara
- Final: February 5, 2026 (Vadodara)
With the league expanding its reach across cities, fans can expect packed stadiums and intense competition throughout the tournament.
New Captains to Watch Out For
The 2026 season brings fresh leadership dynamics, adding an extra layer of excitement:
- Jemimah Rodrigues – Delhi Capitals
- Meg Lanning – UP Warriorz
These leadership changes are expected to shake up team strategies and make the title race even more competitive.
WPL 2026 Opening Match: MI vs RCB – Possible Playing 11s
While the final XIs will be confirmed at the toss, here’s a look at the possible playing 11 for the opening clash:
Mumbai Indians Women: –
Hayley Matthews, G Kamalini (wk), Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Sajeevan Sajana, Nicola Carey, Saika Ishaque, Shabnim Ismail, Milly Illingworth
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women:–
Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Grace Harris, Richa Ghosh (wk), Nadine de Klerk, Dayalan Hemalatha, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Lauren Bell, Pooja Vastrakar
With star players on both sides, the opening match is expected to be a thrilling contest.
Why WPL 2026 Is Bigger Than Ever
From a glittering opening ceremony to world-class cricketing talent, WPL 2026 represents how far women’s cricket has come in India.
The league not only provides a global platform for players but also inspires millions of young girls to dream big.
As the lights shine bright in Navi Mumbai on January 9, WPL 2026 is all set to deliver a season full of drama, entertainment, and unforgettable cricketing moments.
Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Full Team List Announced So Far, Stars to Watch