The excitement around Indian women’s cricket is reaching new heights as the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) draws closer.
With the fourth edition of the league officially confirmed to start earlier than ever before and all franchises releasing their retained player lists, fans are already debating line-ups, new signings, and who might lift the trophy this time.
Among the most watched franchises once again is the Mumbai Indians Women’s team, a squad that has combined international stardom with Indian homegrown talent.
In this exclusive feature, Vijaybet 11 breaks down the new season’s schedule, the updated retention rules, and Mumbai’s strategy that might make them champions again.
WPL 2026 Schedule — Kicking Off Early for a Reason
According to the latest update from the BCCI, the WPL 2026 season is set to begin in the first week of January 2026, nearly a month earlier than usual.
The early start ensures the league finishes before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in February and March 2026.
📍 Expected Start: January 6 or 7, 2026
📍 Final Venue: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
📍 Format: Double round-robin + play-offs
📍 Total Matches: Around 22
For fans, this means the new year will begin with a month-long celebration of women’s cricket, packed with action, rivalries, and high-energy performances.
New Rules, New Dynamics — Major Changes in Retention and Auction System
The 2026 WPL introduces a significant reform to player management — the “Retention Deduction System.”
Similar to the IPL’s salary-cap model, each franchise can now secure its core players before the mega-auction, while maintaining an even financial balance across all teams.
⚙️ Retention Structure
Every team can retain up to five players, following this pattern:
- Maximum 3 Indian capped players (those who have represented India)
- Maximum 2 overseas or uncapped Indian players
The salary deduction per retention is pre-fixed:
₹ 3.5 crore → ₹ 2.5 crore → ₹ 1.75 crore → ₹ 1 crore → ₹ 0.5 crore
This means that team management must carefully decide who to retain and who to release, striking the right balance between retaining stars and keeping enough purse for fresh talent.
For Mumbai Indians, the plan looks solid and carefully structured.
Mumbai Indians Women 2026 Retained Squad — Championship Core Remains Intact
One of the most successful and well-balanced sides in WPL history, Mumbai Indians Women, have officially revealed their retained five-player core for the upcoming 2026 season.
This group of players brings leadership, versatility, and world-class skills — exactly the formula that helped Mumbai dominate earlier seasons.
| Player | Nationality | Role |
| Natalie Sciver-Brunt | England | World-class all-rounder and power hitter |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | India | Captain and emotional leader of the side |
| Hayley Matthews | West Indies | Explosive opener and key bowling option |
| Amanjot Kaur | India | Rising all-rounder balancing the middle order |
| G. Kamalini | India | Young prospect known for pace and fielding awareness |
🔍 What This Line-up Tells Us
- Leadership Stability – The duo of Harmanpreet and Sciver-Brunt continues to anchor Mumbai’s spirit and strategy.
- All-Round Depth – With Matthews and Sciver-Brunt in the same squad, Mumbai possesses a rare two-way balance between bat and ball.
- Youth and Energy – Amanjot Kaur and Kamalini represent the next generation of Indian women cricketers.
- Tactical Continuity – Rather than a major shake-up, Mumbai opted for a “build-on-strength” approach to maintain chemistry and momentum.
After these five retentions, Mumbai Indians Women enter the auction with an estimated remaining purse of ₹ 5.75 crore, likely targeting a backup pacer and a middle-order finisher in the November 2025 auction.
🔥 What About the Other Teams?
While Mumbai grabbed headlines with their solid core, other franchises are quietly preparing for a massive battle too.
- Delhi Capitals Women – With Meg Lanning set for what might be her final season, the franchise is eyeing a young leadership transition.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Still built around Smriti Mandhana, they are reportedly chasing an English fast bowler this auction.
- UP Warriorz – Continue with their famous “Aussie Duo” of Alyssa Healy and Tahlia McGrath, looking for bowling support.
- Gujarat Giants – Released six players to free budget for fresh all-round options and a new opening pair.
With each franchise rebuilding strategically, 2026 is shaping up to be the most competitive WPL season yet.
Vijaybet 11 Insights — Why the WPL 2026 Matters More Than Ever
As one of India’s leading sports and cricket analysis platforms, Vijaybet 11 believes this year marks a true turning point for the Women’s Premier League.
Here are three reasons why:
1️⃣ The Commercial Boom of Women’s Cricket
WPL 2026 has already seen its broadcast and sponsorship values rise by over 25% compared to last year.
This growth proves women’s cricket is no longer a “side event” but a self-sustaining professional ecosystem, drawing both corporate backing and global fans.
2️⃣ Fan Engagement Goes Real-Time
Through Vijaybet 11, fans can now track live scores, player stats, and trending match-ups in real time — all within a single interface.
It has transformed the way people follow the WPL, bringing a more interactive and immersive cricket experience.
3️⃣ Tactics Meet Technology
From data-driven player selection to match simulation tools, teams are getting smarter.
Vijaybet 11 contributes to this evolution by providing in-depth analyses, pre-match predictions, and live insights, helping fans understand the logic behind every victory and defeat.
The platform’s goal is to empower cricket followers to become better analysts themselves.
📊 How WPL 2026 Matters More Than Ever Could Redefine Women’s Sports in India
For decades, women’s cricket struggled for recognition. The WPL changed that — and the 2026 season will cement its place as a mainstream sports phenomenon.
- Bigger Salaries & Visibility: Top Indian and foreign players are finally earning market-level contracts and endorsement deals.
- Grassroots Impact: The league has inspired hundreds of girls to pick up a bat for the first time, believing a career in cricket is possible.
- Broadcast Innovation: The upcoming season will feature multi-camera feeds, regional commentary, and fan-interaction segments on digital platforms like Vijaybet 11 and other sports apps.
In short, the WPL is no longer just a cricket league — it’s a movement reshaping India’s sporting culture.
🏆 Mumbai Indians and the New Era of Women’s Cricket
The WPL 2026 is not just a continuation of previous seasons; it’s a new chapter in how the world views women’s cricket.
From the stable core of Mumbai Indians to the youth rebuild of other teams, every decision this season reflects a more professional, strategic approach to the game.
If you’re a fan looking to stay ahead — whether it’s for match updates, player stats, or strategic previews — Vijaybet 11 is your go-to destination.
Expect real-time coverage of fixtures, auction results, player interviews, and data-backed game breakdowns throughout the WPL 2026.
