WPL 2026: Weekday Final, Double-Headers Full Schedule Revealed

WPL 2026: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to bring a fresh twist to the upcoming season, with a packed 28-day schedule.

Exciting double-headers and a historic weekday final. For the first time in its history, the WPL final will be played on a Thursday (February 5) instead of the usual weekend slot.

The much-awaited fourth edition kicks off on January 9 and concludes on February 5, making it the first WPL season to be played entirely in the January–February window.

The schedule was officially announced by WPL Chairman Jayesh George on the same day as the 2026 WPL auction.

The league promises high-intensity action, iconic venues, and minimal clashes with major international fixtures—another first for the tournament.

Two Venues, 23 Matches & A New Calendar Window

WPL 2026 will be contested across two venues:

• Navi Mumbai (DY Patil Stadium) – First 11 matches
• Vadodara (Kotambi Stadium) – Last 11 league games, Eliminator & Final

Navi Mumbai, which recently hosted the ODI World Cup 2025 final, will kickstart the season with the opening clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Vadodara, making its return as a WPL host city, will stage the business end of the season, including the all-important final on February 5.

Why a Weekday Final This Time?

The decision to hold the final on a Thursday is mainly due to the crowded multi-team cricket calendar:

• Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 Final – February 6
• Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Starts – February 7

Scheduling the WPL final on February 5 helps avoid direct clashes with these marquee tournaments.

WPL 2026 Action-Packed Double-Headers

Fans will witness two double-headers this season, both scheduled on Saturdays, ensuring maximum weekend excitement.

The first match on double-header days will take place in the afternoon, while the remaining games in the league will be played in the evening.

A Season Free of Big International Clashes

For the first time, the WPL will not overlap with any major women’s international series. The earlier three editions were played in February–March, directly overlapping with India’s international duties or other global tournaments. This change ensures that all top players are available throughout the league.

Defending Champions & Tournament History

• Mumbai Indians (MI) – Champions in 2023 & 2025
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Winners in 2024
• Delhi Capitals (DC) – Three-time runners-up
• UP Warriorz & Gujarat Giants – Yet to reach a final

MI will enter WPL 2026 as defending champions after lifting the trophy twice in the last three seasons.

WPL 2026: Full Schedule

Complete Match List with Dates & Venues

What After the WPL?

Only ten days after the WPL final, Team India will fly to Australia for a full tour featuring:

• 3 T20Is
• 3 ODIs
• 1 Test

The tour begins on February 15 and runs until March 9, marking a pivotal month for women’s cricket.

Final Thoughts

WPL 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet—with a revamped schedule, weekday final, two blockbuster double-headers, and a well-balanced January–February window.

Fans can look forward to uninterrupted high-quality cricket as the biggest names in women’s cricket prepare for another thrilling season.

Also Read: BCCI Announces WPL Schedule: 4th Edition Set for Jan 9 to Feb 5 Across Two Cities