WPL 4 likely to start in advance, possible date published

The upcoming edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) can be held in advance to avoid a clash with the ICC Men's 2026 T20I World Cup schedule. Normally, WPL is arranged in the February-March window; at the same period, the T20I World Cup is scheduled to take place. As per the latest reports, WPL organizers are trying to conclude WPL 2026 before the highly anticipated ICC event. If things go as planned, then the upcoming edition of the Women's Premier League can be staged during The tournament is likely to start on Jan 6 or Jan 8, 2026, the first week of January 2026.

"The tournament is likely to start on Jan 6 or Jan 8, 2026," media reports claimed. Which means the auction before the tournament has a high chance to be arranged before its usual schedule. Normally, the auction is held in December; if the tournament is advanced, then the auction date also could be arranged earlier, probably in November, though, regarding this, official confirmations are yet to come. 

Mumbai Indians will start WPL 2026 as the defending champion, as they won the last season's final match by defeating Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium on March 15 by 8 runs. Mumbai Indians was also the winner of the inaugural edition of WPL in March 2023; that time too they defeated Delhi Capitals. Royal Challengers Bengaluru was the champion of the 2024 edition. Apart from these three teams, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz are the other teams in the WPL. 

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The upcoming WPL edition will be important for every cricketers

The upcoming WPL will be a good stage for cricketers for preparations for the upcoming Women's T20I World Cup, which is scheduled to start from June to July.

Describing the importance of the tournament, team India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said, "Four or five years ago, there was a big gap between domestic and international cricket. But in the last five–six years, with back-to-back matches being telecast, young girls are much better prepared… The WPL has also played a big role in closing the gap."