WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony: Date, Time, Live Streaming, Venue and Star Performers – All You Need to Know
WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony: It’s officially that time of year again! The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is kicking off today, January 9, and if the buzz at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium is anything to go by, we’re in for a massive season.
It’s been incredible to watch the WPL grow from a “new experiment” into a premium sporting property. This year, the league isn’t just about cricket, it’s a full-blown cultural event. Here’s everything you need to know about the big opening night.
The Grand Opening: Music, Glamour, and Empowerment
Before the first ball is even bowled, the BCCI is pulling out all the stops with a star-studded opening ceremony starting at 6:45 PM IST.
Yo Yo Honey Singh: Expect the energy to skyrocket when the “Desi Kalakaar” himself takes the stage. He’s headlining the night, and his high-octane tracks are perfect for getting a T20 crowd on its feet.
Jacqueline Fernandez: Bringing the Bollywood flair, Jacqueline will be performing a set dedicated to the resilience and confidence of women in sports.
Harnaaz Sandhu: In a cool departure from the usual dance-and-song routine, Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu will share a message of empowerment, connecting the grit we see on the pitch to a larger global stage.
The Main Event: MI vs RCB
Once the lights dim on the performances, the real battle begins at 7:30 PM IST. We’ve got a mouth-watering season opener: the defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on the 2024 winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
With superstars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana leading their respective sides, this isn’t just a game, it’s a statement of intent for the rest of the tournament.
New Cities, Bigger Reach
The WPL is expanding its footprint this year with a two-city format. The first leg stays in Navi Mumbai, but later in the season, the action shifts to Vadodara. Having the Eliminator (February 3) and the Final (February 5) at the Kotambi Stadium in Gujarat is a smart move to bring the game to a whole new set of passionate fans.
WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony: Where to watch?
If you aren’t one of the lucky thousands inside the stadium, don’t worry, you won’t miss a beat. Tune into the Star Sports Network for TV and for OTT, you can catch the ceremony and the matches live on JioHotstar.