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MI-RCB clash to kickstart WPL 2026

Cricbuzz Staff 
the-league-has-an-earlier-than-usual-start-date-to-accommodate-the-mens-t20-world-cup-that-will-be-jointly-hosted-by-india-and-sri-lanka-from-mid-february-onwards
The league has an earlier than usual start date to accommodate the men's T20 World Cup that will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from mid February onwards. ©Sportzpics

Defending and two-time champions Mumbai Indians will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament opener of WPL 2026 in Navi Mumbai on January 9, a BCCI release announcing the tournament schedule confirmed.

The fourth season of the league will run from January 9 to February 5, with Navi Mumbai and Vadodara set to share hosting duties. The DY Patil Stadium will stage the first 11 games from January 9-17.

The league will then move to Vadodara for the remaining 11 fixtures, starting with a clash between Gujarat Giants and RCB. The league phase will run until February 1. There are only two double-header days (January 10 and 17) in the season and both will feature UP Warriorz in the afternoon game.

The Eliminator, between the teams finishing second and third, will be played on February 3, with the table-topper going straight through to the final on February 5 in Vadodara.

The squads for the five teams were finalised earlier this week at the first-ever mega auction. The league has an earlier than usual start date and will precede the men's T20 World Cup that will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from mid February onwards.

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