Navi Mumbai, January 9, 2026 – The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 commenced its fourth season today with a dazzling opening ceremony at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) orchestrated a star-studded event, blending Bollywood glamour with the excitement of cricket.
The ceremony, which began at 6:45 PM IST, set the stage for the opening match between the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST. The evening saw a fusion of music, dance, and entertainment, highlighting the growth and popularity of women's cricket.
Jacqueline Fernandez, known for her energetic dance numbers and captivating screen presence, delivered a special performance, adding a layer of glamour to the event. Her performance was well-received, setting a vibrant tone for the evening.
Following Fernandez's performance, Yo Yo Honey Singh, a pioneer of Indian hip-hop and Punjabi pop, took center stage. He ignited the stadium with his high-energy performance, which included chartbusters like "Blue Eyes" and "Lungi Dance". The crowd responded enthusiastically, with many fans joining in the "Lungi Dance," creating a lively atmosphere at the Dr DY Patil Stadium. Honey Singh concluded his set with "Party All Night," inviting Jacqueline Fernandez and Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, to join him on stage for the final performance.
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu's special appearance added to the star power of the event, further emphasizing the WPL's ambition to merge elite cricket with world-class entertainment.
The opening ceremony was broadcast live on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on the JioCinema app and website. International viewers were able to tune in via regional broadcasters.
The WPL 2026 season will be held in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. The top team from the double round-robin format will directly qualify for the final, while the second and third-placed teams will compete in an Eliminator match on February 3. The final is scheduled for February 5 in Vadodara.
Following the opening ceremony, the focus shifted to the highly anticipated match between Harmanpreet Kaur's Mumbai Indians and Smriti Mandhana's Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Mumbai Indians, having won two titles, are the most successful team in WPL history, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first title in 2024.
