The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to return in 2026, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions of the tournament yet. Following its roaring success in its inaugural seasons, the WPL has become a major milestone for women’s cricket, providing a platform for some of the best female cricketers from around the world to showcase their talents. In 2026, the competition will continue to bring global superstars and emerging talent to the forefront.
If you’re looking forward to the WPL 2026, here’s everything you need to know, from the schedule to the teams and how to catch the action live!
WPL 2026 Schedule
The WPL 2026 will follow a similar format to previous editions, with five teams battling it out for the championship. The tournament will run for several weeks, featuring a series of round-robin league matches followed by knockout rounds.
Tournament Dates:
- Start Date: march 2026 (Exact date to be announced)
- End Date: april 2026 (Exact date to be announced)
Matches:
The WPL 2026 will feature a total of 20+ league matches, followed by the playoffs and the finals. The league matches will be spread across multiple cities in India, with the finals expected to be held in a major stadium like the DY Patil Stadium in Navi mumbai or Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
Key Matches:
- Opening Match: The first match will see two of the league's top teams face off in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
- Playoffs & Finals: The top four teams from the league stage will compete in the semi-finals, and the winners will battle for the championship in the final.
Tip: Keep an eye on the official WPL website or app for the precise schedule and match timings as the date approaches.
WPL 2026 Teams and Squads
For the 2026 edition, the WPL will feature five franchises, most likely retaining the original teams with a few potential new additions. Here’s a look at the teams expected to compete:
Mumbai Mavericks (Formerly mumbai Indians Women’s Team)
Key Players: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Nat Sciver-Brunt, pooja Vastrakar
Overview: With a strong blend of indian and international players, the Mavericks will be looking to build on their solid performances from previous seasons.
Delhi Capitals Women
Key Players: Meg Lanning (Captain), Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp
Overview: The Capitals have a well-balanced squad with a strong batting line-up and bowling attack.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women
Key Players: Smriti Mandhana (Captain), Sophie Devine, Richa Ghosh
Overview: Known for their explosive batting, RCB will aim to break their playoff jinx with a star-studded squad in 2026.
Gujarat Giants
Key Players: Beth Mooney (Captain), Sophia Dunkley, Sneh Rana
Overview: A well-rounded team with a mix of power hitters and spinners, the Giants will be a force to reckon with in the 2026 season.
UP Warriorz
Key Players: Alyssa Healy (Captain), Deepti Sharma, Shabnim Ismail
Overview: The Warriorz are known for their aggressive style of play, and with a deep squad, they’ll be aiming for their first title in 2026.
New Additions:
As the WPL continues to grow, new teams may be introduced in future editions. However, for 2026, the focus will primarily remain on the established teams, with a few squads likely strengthening their ranks by acquiring top international and domestic players through the auction.
Key Players to watch Out For
Some of the world’s best women cricketers will be taking center stage at WPL 2026. Here are a few players who are expected to make a big impact:
Harmanpreet Kaur – The mumbai Mavericks captain is one of India’s premier all-rounders. Her explosive batting and leadership skills make her one of the most exciting players to watch in the tournament.
Smriti Mandhana – A key figure for royal challengers Bangalore, Mandhana’s elegant strokes and consistency at the top of the order will be crucial for her team’s chances.
Meg Lanning – The delhi Capitals captain brings incredible experience and has been a powerhouse for australia in all formats.
Shafali Verma – Known for her attacking batting style, Shafali’s aggressive approach at the top will be a key strength for delhi Capitals.
Alyssa Healy – The Australian wicketkeeper-batter and UP Warriorz captain is known for her fiery batting and leadership qualities.
Deepti Sharma – As one of India’s premier all-rounders, Deepti’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball will be crucial for UP Warriorz.
WPL 2026 Live Streaming & Broadcasting
For fans around the world, following the WPL 2026 will be easier than ever. The tournament will be available on a variety of platforms for live streaming and broadcasting.
Television Broadcast:
The official broadcasters for WPL 2026 will be Star sports Network, which will broadcast the matches in multiple languages across India.
Expect detailed pre-match analysis, live commentary, and post-match reviews to enhance your viewing experience.
Live Streaming:
Matches will also be available for live streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar platform for viewers in India.
International fans can access the games via Hotstar International or local streaming services based on their region.
Tip: If you’re unable to watch the live broadcast, keep up with the live scores and match commentary through various cricket-related apps like Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo.
WPL 2026: Why You Should Watch
The WPL is more than just a cricket tournament; it’s a celebration of women’s cricket and a huge step toward gender equality in the sport. With top-tier players from around the world, thrilling matches, and the rise of new cricketing superstars, WPL 2026 promises to be an event you won’t want to miss.
- Rising Stars: The league continues to provide a platform for young and emerging talent, with players like Shafali Verma, Devika Vaidya, and Richa Ghosh making waves.
- Global Superstars: watch out for the international players who will bring in a wealth of experience, such as Alyssa Healy, Sophie Devine, and Nat Sciver-Brunt.
- Engaging Cricket: With high-quality cricket, dramatic finishes, and top-tier entertainment, WPL will bring a new level of excitement to women’s sports.
Conclusion:
The WPL 2026 promises to be another electrifying season, filled with exciting cricket, star players, and a celebration of women’s talent in the sport. From the schedule to the squads, players, and how to watch it live, the WPL has something for every cricket fan to enjoy.
Make sure to follow the tournament closely as it continues to rise in stature, helping women’s cricket achieve the recognition it rightfully deserves on the global stage.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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