The TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) returns from 9 January to 5 February 2026, featuring five franchises — Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and UP Warriorz — in a high-impact women’s T20 season. The league stage follows a double round-robin format, with the top three teams progressing to the play-offs (Eliminator and Final). Matches will be held across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, with fixtures slated for release in late November. Mumbai Indians (2023, 2025) remain the most successful side to date, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024) also have a title, and Delhi Capitals have frequently been runners-up.
Captains at a Glance
- Jemimah Rodrigues (Delhi Capitals)
A dynamic Indian top-order batter stepping into leadership after a strong campaign with the national side. She aims to convert Delhi’s consistent finals appearances into a first title. - Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants)
An Australian all-rounder and multiple ICC T20 World Cup winner, retained as skipper after guiding the Giants to the play-offs last season. A match-winner with both bat and ball. - Harmanpreet Kaur (Mumbai Indians)
India’s captain and the WPL’s most decorated skipper, having lifted the trophy in the inaugural 2023 season and again in 2025. Renowned for her strategic nous and finishing skills. - Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
An explosive Indian opener who led RCB to the 2024 title. Recognised for authoritative stroke play and calm leadership under pressure. - Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz)
An Australian great taking on leadership after moving from Delhi Capitals. Known for impeccable game management and vast experience.
Overseas Contingent: Far Beyond Australia
A total of 83 overseas players entered the late-2025 mega auction, spanning multiple nations — not only Australia, but also England, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, and Bangladesh — with Associate talent in the pool as well.
Marquee Overseas Names
- Meg Lanning (AUS)
- Amelia Kerr (NZ)
- Sophie Devine (NZ)
- Sophie Ecclestone (ENG)
- Alyssa Healy (AUS)
- Laura Wolvaardt (SA)
Other Notable Overseas Players
- Ashleigh Gardner (AUS)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG)
- Tazmin Brits (SA)
- Grace Harris (AUS)
- Jess Jonassen (AUS)
- Alana King (AUS)
- Shabnim Ismail (SA)
- Suzie Bates (NZ)
Indian Stars to Watch
- Deepti Sharma (IND)
- Smriti Mandhana (IND)
- Shafali Verma (IND)
- Harmanpreet Kaur (IND)
Auction Highlights and Player Categories
- Amelia Kerr (NZ): Most expensive overseas player in the auction, purchased by Mumbai Indians for ₹3.00 crore.
- Sophie Devine (NZ): Second-most expensive overseas player, bought by Gujarat Giants for ₹2.00 crore.
- Historic top overseas buys include Ashleigh Gardner (AUS) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG), who each fetched ₹3.20 crore in 2023.
Overseas Quota Rule
- Teams may field up to four overseas players in the XI, with a potential fifth if the player is from an Associate nation (e.g., Tara Norris (USA) for Delhi Capitals in 2023).
Fixtures and Format
- Dates: 9 January – 5 February 2026
- Venues: Navi Mumbai (early phase) and Vadodara (later phase)
- League stage: Double round-robin (each team faces every other team twice)
- Play-offs:
- Eliminator — 2nd vs 3rd
- Final — Winner of Eliminator vs 1st-placed team (5 February)
The opening week features all five teams in action, with the Eliminator and Final closing the season on 5 February.
Where to Watch WPL 2026 Live in Australia
- Kayo Sports: All WPL matches are available to stream live and on-demand via Kayo Sports. This is generally the cheapest and most flexible option for streaming specific sports.
- Foxtel / Foxtel Now: The WPL is broadcast on the Fox Cricket channel, which is included in sports packages for both standard Foxtel subscriptions and the streaming service Foxtel Now.
Why It Matters
With a deep overseas contingent spanning six full-member nations plus Associate talent, alongside India’s top performers and emerging domestic players, WPL 2026 promises high-quality cricket, compelling captaincy storylines, and closely fought contests — especially on spin-friendly surfaces across the two venues.
