WPL 2027: RCB to face MI in season opener at Vadodara
The BCCI has announced the schedule for the fifth edition of the Women's Premier League, to be held in Vadodara and Mumbai.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Wednesday the schedule for the fifth edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL). Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will play former champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the opening match on January 14, 2027, in Vadodara.
The 22-match tournament will be split between two venues, with 11 matches held at each location. The Vadodara leg will run until January 24, after which the competition will move to the Cricket Club of India's Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai from January 26.
All matches, including the playoffs, are scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST. The league stage will conclude on February 3, followed by the Eliminator on February 5 between the second and third-placed teams. The team finishing at the top of the table will qualify directly for the final on February 7 at the Brabourne Stadium.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently indicated that the Board could explore expanding the league beyond its current five-team structure. Saikia said that brainstorming sessions would be held to increase the number of teams and improve other areas involving coaches, selectors, and stakeholders.
According to The Times of India, the WPL has featured five franchises since its start in 2023. Saikia described the WPL as one of the biggest franchise competitions in the sport after the IPL, stating it has contributed to the success of women's cricket in India.