The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to begin with a grand spectacle as renowned singer Yo Yo Honey Singh and popular Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez will perform at the opening ceremony on January 9 at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
Yo Yo Honey Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez to Light Up WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony
WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony Event
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Ceremony Date | January 9, 2026 |
| Ceremony Venue | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai |
| Opening Ceremony Time | Starts at 6:45 PM |
| Performers | Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez |
| Opening Match | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Tournament Start | January 9, 2026 |
| Tournament End | February 5, 2026 |
| Final | February 5, 2026 |
| Eliminator | February 2, 2026 |
| Venues | DY Patil Stadium (Navi Mumbai), Kotambi Stadium (Vadodara) |
| Teams | Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, UP Warriorz |
| Format | Double round-robin; top team to final; 2nd vs 3rd in Eliminator |
| Special Notes | Final on weekday; first January–February window to avoid T20 World Cup clash |
The WPL governing body confirmed the development through official social media announcements, building excitement ahead of the fourth season of the tournament. Honey Singh will headline the pre-match entertainment, promising an electrifying start to the league. “When the beat drops, history begins. Yo Yo Honey Singh takes centre stage at the TATA WPL 2026 Pre-Match Entertainment,” the WPL said in its post.
WPL 2026 MI vs RCB (Opening Match)
Jacqueline Fernandez will also feature in a special pre-match performance that celebrates women’s empowerment and the growing stature of women’s sport. According to the league, her act will honour “confidence, courage, and the unstoppable rise of women in sport,” aligning with the spirit and vision of the WPL.
Tournament to Begin with MI vs RCB Clash
On the field, the WPL 2026 will kick off with a blockbuster opening match between defending champions Mumbai Indians and 2024 title winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The match will mark the start of a 22-game season featuring the five teams: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz.
The tournament will be played across two venues — DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara — with each hosting 11 matches. Navi Mumbai will stage the opening leg, including afternoon double-headers on January 10 and 17, before the league moves to Vadodara for the business end of the competition.
WPL Tickets
Weekday Final and New Window for WPL
In a first for the league, the WPL final will be played on a weekday, scheduled for Thursday, February 5. The decision was taken to avoid a clash with the men’s T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Another significant change is the tournament window. For the first time, the WPL will be held in a January–February window, after the previous editions took place in February–March and often conflicted with international commitments.
The format remains unchanged, with teams playing a double round-robin league. The table-topper will qualify directly for the final, while the second and third-placed teams will battle it out in the Eliminator on February 2.
Live Streaming Details
WPL 2026 kicks off on January 9 with MI vs RCB at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, featuring an opening ceremony headlined by Yo Yo Honey Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez ahead of the 7:30 PM IST match start. Live streaming is free on JioCinema app/website, with TV telecast on Star Sports Network.
Growing Legacy of the WPL
Mumbai Indians have won two titles in three seasons, while RCB claimed their maiden championship in 2024. Delhi Capitals have finished runners-up in all three editions so far, while Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz are still chasing their first final appearance.
With star-studded performances, a revised schedule, and rising competition on the field, WPL 2026 promises to be the biggest and most vibrant edition yet, setting the stage for another landmark season in women’s cricket.
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