WPL 2027 schedule announced: Vadodara, Mumbai to host fifth edition; RCB face MI in opener

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the fifth edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL), with Vadodara and Mumbai set to host the tournament from January 14 to February 7, 2027.The 22-match competition will feature five franchises, with 11 matches scheduled at each venue. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will begin their title defence against former champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the opening fixture at Vadodara on January 14.The fifth edition will begin with the Vadodara leg, which will run until January 24. The tournament will then move to Mumbai, with the Cricket Club of India's Brabourne Stadium hosting the remaining 11 matches from January 26.All matches, including the Playoffs, will begin at 7:30 PM IST.Brabourne Stadium to host Playoffs and finalThe league stage will continue in Mumbai until February 3, after which the tournament will enter the knockout phase.The Eliminator, featuring the teams finishing second and third in the league standings, will be played on February 5. The winner will advance to the final, where they will meet the table-toppers, who will earn direct qualification for the title clash.The final is scheduled for February 7 at the Brabourne Stadium, bringing the fifth edition of the WPL to a close.The five franchises will once again compete for the coveted title, with RCB entering the season as defending champions and looking to retain their crown.BCCI considering expansion of WPLThe schedule announcement comes days after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia indicated that the Board could explore expanding the league beyond its existing five-team structure.The WPL has featured five franchises since its inaugural edition in 2023, but the BCCI is now considering ways to increase participation and further develop the competition."From next year, definitely we will have to do some brainstorming sessions to increase the number of teams as well as in other areas where we can improve," Saikia had said."Not only the players but so many other areas we are having involvement in, right from the coaches, selectors, etc, and various stakeholders are involved here," he added.Saikia also highlighted the league's contribution to women's cricket in India, describing it as one of the biggest franchise competitions in the sport."WPL is one of the big leagues in franchise cricket after IPL. We have come a long way in four years and ultimately we are now dominating women's cricket. WPL has contributed to the success of women's cricket in India," he said.Meanwhile, Sophie Molineux emerged as the costliest player at the recent auction, with UP Warriorz securing the services of the Australia captain for Rs 1.10 crore.WPL 2027 Full ScheduleVadodara legJanuary 14: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai IndiansJanuary 15: Gujarat Giants vs UP WarriorzJanuary 16: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers BengaluruJanuary 17: UP Warriorz vs Mumbai IndiansJanuary 18: Gujarat Giants vs Delhi CapitalsJanuary 19: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP WarriorzJanuary 20: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai IndiansJanuary 21: UP Warriorz vs Delhi CapitalsJanuary 22: Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers BengaluruJanuary 23: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai IndiansJanuary 24: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat GiantsMumbai legJanuary 26: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers BengaluruJanuary 27: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat GiantsJanuary 28: Mumbai Indians vs UP WarriorzJanuary 29: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi CapitalsJanuary 30: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat GiantsJanuary 31: UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers BengaluruFebruary 1: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi CapitalsFebruary 2: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat GiantsFebruary 3: Delhi Capitals vs UP WarriorzPlayoffsFebruary 5: EliminatorFebruary 7: FinalGet the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.