The Women’s Premier League returned with a bang on Friday night as the WPL 2026 opening ceremony lit up the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. A heady mix of music, Bollywood glamour and a strong message around women’s empowerment set the tone for the fourth season of the league, just ahead of the opening clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The ceremony leaned into the theme of confidence, courage and the unstoppable rise of women in sport — a sentiment that resonated strongly after India’s recent success at the ODI World Cup. From a stirring spoken-word opening to foot-tapping performances, the night had everything fans expect from a marquee WPL kickoff.
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Harnaaz Sandhu sets the tone with a powerful opening
Former Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu opened the ceremony with an emotive spoken-word segment that immediately grabbed attention. Standing at the centre of the stadium, she spoke about the WPL as more than just a cricket league — calling it a symbol of dreams, belief and opportunity for millions of young girls watching across the country.
Her message focused on how far women’s sport has come in India and why the journey is far from over. The segment ended with a rousing Punjabi call — “Chakk de fatte sherniyan!” — triggering fireworks and marking the shift from inspiration to celebration.
Jacqueline Fernandez blends Bollywood flair with global sport
The mood turned energetic as Jacqueline Fernandez took over the stage with a high-octane dance performance. What caught the eye instantly was her outfit — an official Juventus football jersey — a bold, cross-sport fashion choice that quickly went viral online.
Dancing to popular tracks including Yaar Naa Miley, she delivered a routine built around strength and resilience. Backed by a large dance crew, Jacqueline’s act highlighted how the WPL has grown into a mainstream entertainment spectacle, comfortably sitting at the intersection of sport and pop culture.
Yo Yo Honey Singh brings the house down
The loudest cheers of the night were reserved for Yo Yo Honey Singh, who made a dramatic entry by appearing in the dugout alongside captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. He kicked off with his latest track Millionaire before moving to the main stage for a string of crowd favourites including Blue Eyes and Lungi Dance.
Dressed in black and brimming with energy, Honey Singh worked the crowd effortlessly, turning the stadium into a concert arena. The ceremony wrapped up with all three performers — Harnaaz, Jacqueline and Honey Singh — sharing the stage for a final bow.
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Cricket takes centre stage in Navi Mumbai
With the entertainment done, attention quickly shifted to the cricket. The captains walked out for the toss, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru won and chose to field, citing the expected dew under humid Navi Mumbai conditions. The first ball of WPL 2026 was bowled at 7:40 pm, officially launching another season of high-stakes women’s cricket.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd settled in, the message from the opening ceremony was clear — the WPL is no longer just a tournament, it’s a movement, and it’s only getting bigger.
