Overview
- WPL 2026 opens Friday, January 9, with Mumbai Indians facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Navi Mumbai.
- The final is scheduled for February 5 in Vadodara, closing the tournament days before the T20 World Cup build-up.
- Only two venues will be used: DY Patil Stadium hosts the first 11 matches and Kotambi Stadium stages the remaining 11, including the Eliminator and the final.
- Irfan Pathan says the schedule delivers vital game time and confidence, backed by increased domestic depth that offers ready-made injury replacements.
- Varun Aaron argues the ODI World Cup triumph broke a psychological barrier and lifted belief, though he expects Australia to push hard in response as the T20 World Cup begins June 12 in England and Wales.