WPL 2026: A return to the ground of destiny as a new chapter begins in Navi Mumbai

X: @anjanasasi

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) returns on January 9, 2026, and the choice of venue carries a symbolism that goes beyond scheduling. The opening match at DY Patil Stadium brings the league back to the very ground where Indian women’s cricket touched its highest emotional peak, the night the national team lifted its first ever Women’s ODI World Cup. 

Now, that historic triumph transforms the same stadium, readying it to host the start of a WPL season.

From World Cup glory to league ambition

The 2026 edition of the WPL begins in a markedly different atmosphere. The league no longer sells promise; it is now built on proven success. World Cup victory has altered the ecosystem, player confidence, public attention, sponsor interest, and franchise strategy have all shifted upward. The WPL is no longer riding on hope; it is powered by credibility.

That is what makes this curtain-raiser significant. This is the first WPL to take place after a World Cup win.

Looking back: champions, standout performers, and the 2025 final

The 2025 season crowned Mumbai Indians Women as champions after a composed victory over Delhi Capitals Women in the final. A title run defined by depth, discipline, and calm decision making under pressure. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Mumbai consistently delivered in key moments, blending experience with tactical clarity.

The Women’s Premier League Final took place on 15 March 2025 at Brabourne Stadium. Mumbai Indians posted 149/7 in 20 overs, anchored by Harmanpreet’s authoritative 66 off 44 balls. The total was reinforced by incisive bowling, with Nat Sciver Brunt producing a decisive spell of 3/30 in four overs.

In reply, Delhi were restricted to 141/9 in 20 overs despite a spirited all round effort from Marizanne Kapp, who top scored with 40 off 26 balls and returned excellent figures of 2/11 in four overs. Mumbai’s control across phases ensured the chase never fully settled. Harmanpreet Kaur was named Player of the Match, her captain’s knock setting the tone for Mumbai’s championship performance.

The 2024 season, by contrast, belonged to Royal Challengers Bangalore Women, led by Smriti Mandhana, whose maiden title ended years of near misses and underlined the league’s growing tactical maturity.

Across recent seasons, individual excellence has mirrored this evolution. Smriti has stood out for authority and consistency at the top of the order, while Sophie Ecclestone has once again underlined her impact by leading the wicket charts, reaffirming her status as the most influential bowler in the women’s T20 game.

The auction reflected a new reality

The WPL 2026 auction showed how much franchises value proven match winners and versatile all rounders. Bidding wars were based on both current form and leadership potential. Smriti Mandhana is still one of the most sought after players in the league. She was bought for 3.4 crore in a previous auction, making her one of the highest paid players in WPL history. However, in the 2026 mega auction, teams focused on balance and impact. Deepti Sharma was the most expensive signing, costing UP Warriorz 3.2 crore. Amelia Kerr was another big name bought by the Mumbai Indians for 3 crore. Captains and experienced players also got a lot of attention. Meg Lanning went to UP Warriorz for 1.9 crore, and top overseas batters like Sophie Devine went for 2 crore. At the same time, players like Laura Wolvaardt, who always does well, and Chinelle Henry, who is excellent at everything, got bids in the 1.1–1.3 crore range. Mumbai Indians kept Harmanpreet Kaur instead of putting her up for auction again. Her continued presence adds strategic value beyond the auction numbers themselves, rounding out a group of top players who are expected to make WPL 2026 very competitive.

The auction marked a clear shift from earlier years. Recent impact overshadowed potential and reputation. Franchises bid aggressively for players who had defined moments on the global stage, signalling that the WPL market has matured into a performance driven economy.

Title contenders: who looks strongest

As the season begins, three teams enter with genuine championship credentials. The defending champions, the Mumbai Indians, will aim to convert confidence into continuity. Royal Challengers The Bangalore Women, with their depth, leadership core, and big match temperament, remain perennial favourites. Delhi Capitals Women, finalists more than once, appear determined to finally turn consistency into silverware.

Each squad blends Indian World Cup heroes with elite overseas talent, making this the most competitive WPL field yet.

Also Read: Year-End: India’s Sporting Journey in the Past Year: When a Nation Began to Believe

What changed after the World Cup

The most profound change is psychological. Indian players now enter the WPL as world champions, not contenders. That confidence reshapes on field decision making and off field stature. Matches are sharper, expectations higher, and leadership demands more exacting.

The World Cup has also expanded the league’s audience. Casual viewers have become invested, and young girls now view the WPL not just as a source of inspiration but as a viable professional destination.

The economic engine behind the league

The WPL’s economic footprint continues to widen. Player salaries and endorsement values have climbed steadily, but the benefits extend further coaches, support staff, broadcasters, venues, travel operators, and domestic academies all draw from the league’s momentum.

Post World Cup, the risk perception around women’s cricket has dropped significantly. Sponsors and advertisers now view the WPL as a stable, high engagement property rather than a developmental experiment. In commercial terms, the league has crossed a crucial threshold: sustainability.

A fitting beginning

That the WPL 2026 begins at DY Patil Stadium feels appropriate. This is where belief turned into history for Indian women’s cricket. As the floodlights come on again on January 9, the WPL does not just resume; it reintroduces itself, stronger, sharper, and carrying the weight of a nation that has already seen what is possible. The journey from World Cup glory to league excellence starts here.