4th Session of WPL 2026 Inauguration in Navi Mumbai | 13 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 began at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. 

Key Points 

• Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026:The 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) is the fourth season of India’s premier women’s T20 franchise cricket tournament organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 
  • Mascot: The official mascot for the Women’s Premier League is Shakti. 
  • Total Team: Five 
  • Most expensive player: Deepti Sharma – ₹3.20 crore (UP Warriorz). 
  • Format: Franchise-based T20 league. 
  • Opening Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI). 
• Significance of WPL: It aims to promote women’s cricket, talent identification, and professional opportunities for female cricketers. 
• Strategic Importance: Hosting at Navi Mumbai highlights Maharashtra’s growing role as a hub for major sporting events. 
• Broader Impact:Strengthens grassroots and elite women’s cricket ecosystem. 
  • Enhances visibility, sponsorship, and fan engagement for women’s sports in India.