The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to begin with a splash of music, glamour and big-match energy as rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh and actor Jacqueline Fernandez headline the opening ceremony on January 9 at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium.
The organisers confirmed the performances through official social media announcements, building excitement ahead of the fourth season of the league. Honey Singh will take centre stage for the pre-match entertainment, while Fernandez will deliver a special opening-day performance celebrating women and sport.
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Big Names Set the Tone for WPL 2026
In its post, the WPL highlighted Honey Singh’s role in kicking off the season on a high note, calling his appearance a perfect start to what promises to be an electrifying tournament. A separate announcement confirmed Fernandez’s presence, with the league stating her performance would honour confidence, courage and the growing stature of women’s cricket in India.
The star-studded opening reflects the league’s push to blend top-level cricket with mainstream entertainment, a formula that has helped the WPL quickly find its place among India’s major sporting properties.
Mumbai Indians vs RCB to Open the Season
On the cricketing front, defending champions Mumbai Indians will face 2024 title winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the season opener on January 9. The clash at DY Patil Stadium is expected to draw strong attention, given the rivalry and recent success of both teams.
Two Venues, Weekday Final
The WPL 2026 will be played across two venues — Navi Mumbai and Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium — with 22 matches scheduled in total. Navi Mumbai will host 11 games, including afternoon double-headers on January 10 and 17, before the tournament moves to Vadodara for the remaining fixtures.
In a first for the league, the final will be held on a weekday. The title match is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, a decision aimed at avoiding a clash with the men’s T20 World Cup, which begins later that week in India and Sri Lanka.
Vadodara will host the Eliminator on February 2 and the final on February 5.
January–February Window Debut
This season also marks the first time the WPL is being played in a January–February window. Previous editions were held in February–March, often overlapping with international commitments and the build-up to the IPL.
The format remains unchanged. Five teams — Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals — will play each other twice in a double round-robin league. The top team at the end of the league stage will qualify directly for the final, while the second and third-placed teams will battle it out in the Eliminator.
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Mumbai Indians have won two titles in three seasons, RCB lifted the trophy in 2024, while Delhi Capitals have finished runners-up in all three editions so far.
With cricket, culture and star power coming together, the WPL 2026 opening night promises to be more than just a match — it’s shaping up to be a full-blown celebration.
