The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season launches today with a marquee showdown, as defending champions Mumbai Indians Women square off against a rejuvenated Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women side. The curtain-raiser promises intensity, star power, and high expectations, marking the beginning of what many believe will be the league’s most competitive edition yet.
Mumbai Indians, who have established themselves as the benchmark of consistency in the WPL, enter the campaign with their championship core intact. Their blend of seasoned internationals and rising Indian talent makes them early favourites once again, but the opening fixture is far from predictable. RCB, who claimed the inaugural title and have spent the off-season recalibrating their squad, arrive with renewed energy and a stronger balance across departments.
What adds extra significance to this year’s opener is the context surrounding women’s cricket globally. India’s recent ODI World Cup victory has heightened excitement and pushed visibility for the women’s game to remarkable levels. The WPL, already a transformative force in the cricket ecosystem, is now under even brighter lights, with expectations soaring for improved performances, higher fan engagement, and a more competitive playing field.
Both teams understand the stakes. Mumbai will aim to lay down a marker early, reinforcing their championship ambitions, while RCB will be eager to reclaim their place among the league’s elite and show that their overhauled lineup is capable of challenging for the trophy once more.
As the fourth season of the WPL begins, today’s matchup serves not just as an opener but as a statement game—one that could define the momentum, narrative, and rivalries of the weeks to come. With two former champions clashing right out of the gate, the stage is set for a thrilling start to a historic season in women’s cricket.

