The Women’s Premier League will return for its fourth season from 9 January to 5 February, splitting matches between Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium and Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium. League chairman Jayesh George confirmed the dates at the outset of Thursday’s player auction in Delhi.
“It’s the first window that’s entirely free of international clashes, and that should help everyone involved,” George said.
Key points first
• Tournament length: 28 days
• Opening venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
• Final: 5 February, Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
Moving the competition into a January-February slot marks a break from its usual February-March home, traditionally squeezed between domestic seasons and the IPL. Administrators hope the shift will reduce calendar congestion and give players clear air before India’s all-format tour of Australia, which begins on 15 February.
Thursday also brought the league’s first “mega” auction since the WPL’s 2023 launch and the debut of right-to-match (RTM) cards. One franchise analyst quipped, “The RTM adds a bit of theatre—good for fans, slightly nerve-racking for accountants.”
On the pitch, Mumbai Indians arrive as defending champions, having lifted the trophy twice in three attempts. Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed the 2024 title, while Delhi Capitals have finished runners-up in every season so far—an impressive, if slightly frustrating, consistency.
Ground staff at both venues have minor upgrades pencilled in—mainly sight-screen adjustments and fresh paint—but nothing expected to interfere with schedules.
“We can lock in training blocks now, which is massive,” a senior India all-rounder noted.
Full fixture lists are due next month; ticket details will follow shortly afterwards.
