The much-anticipated 2026 edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) kicks off with a blockbuster clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and the 2024 title winners, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The tournament opener will be held at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Saturday, January 9, 2026. This marquee match-up, featuring Indian cricket's two biggest stars as captains, sets the stage for what promises to be the most competitive WPL season yet.
Star-Studded Captaincy Duel and World Cup Connection
The spotlight will firmly be on the two skippers: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, leading the Mumbai Indians, and her deputy, Smriti Mandhana, at the helm of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Both players were instrumental in India's recent World Cup triumph, and Kaur has emphasized the significant role the WPL played in that success. Speaking ahead of the match, Kaur highlighted the league's growing impact, stating that it contributed massively to the team's ICC trophy win last year.
"This season is also very important," Kaur added. "And we have seen that all the teams have picked very exciting talent. Hopefully we will see more competition this season." The 2026 season is particularly significant as it is the first WPL since India's World Cup victory, which is expected to draw even greater attention to the league. The competitive balance may also be reshaped following the recent mega auction, allowing teams to rebuild their squads.
How to Watch MI vs RCB WPL 2026 Match Live
For fans eager to catch every ball of the action, here are the essential broadcast and streaming details. The live telecast of the MI vs RCB WPL 2026 Match No. 1 will be available on the Star Sports Network across India. For viewers preferring to stream online, the match will be live-streamed on the JioCinema app and website.
The match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST. The all-important toss, where captains make their crucial first decision, will take place at 1:00 PM IST, half an hour before the first ball is bowled.
Full Squads for the Opening Encounter
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Gautami Naik, Grace Harris, Richa Ghosh (w), Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Lauren Bell, Kumar Prathyoosha, Sayali Satghare, Prema Rawat, Dayalan Hemalatha, Linsey Smith.
Mumbai Indians Squad: Hayley Matthews, G Kamalini (w), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Sajeevan Sajana, Poonam Khemnar, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Rahila Firdous, Milly Illingworth, Saika Ishaque, Nicola Carey.
This opening fixture is more than just a game; it's a celebration of women's cricket's rising stature in India. With champion teams, iconic leaders, and a nation still buzzing from a World Cup win, the DY Patil Stadium is set to witness a spectacular start to WPL 2026.
