The complete schedule for the Women’s Premier League 2026 (WPL 2026) was made public on Saturday by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The board declared that the tournament will start on January 9, ending the wait for cricket enthusiasts. The first game between the reigning champions, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore will take place at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. League Chairman Jaish George had already disclosed the dates and locations during the Mega Auction, which took place in Delhi on November 27.

There will be 22 games over the course of 28 days.
There will be 22 games in the forthcoming season, including the final, spread across 28 days. There are two stages to the competition. The first phase is scheduled for January 9–17 in Navi Mumbai, and the second phase is scheduled for January 19–February 5 in Vadodara. The Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara will host the championship game as well.

A pair of “Double Headers”
There will only be two days of “Double Headers” (two matches in one day) in the event, according to the schedule. On January 10 and January 17, fans will have the opportunity to watch two games each. There will be one match every day for the remaining days. The Eliminator will take place on February 3, and the Final on February 5, after the league stage concludes on February 1.

WPL 2026 Full Schedule:

Yograj Singh, the father and coach of former cricketer Yuvraj Singh, commended Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma following India’s four-wicket Asia Cup victory over Pakistan. He called the two players Yuvraj Singh’s ‘Babar Sher’ (lion cubs), stating that if one is left-handed, the other is right-handed. Abhishek and Shubman will win every game if they play 15 overs.

“As I’ve said before, play as you want to play,” Yograj Singh added. Abhishek is playing in the same manner as Yuvraj, while Shubman Gill is playing similarly.

“I have coached them like parents. Now when Yuvraj watches their game on TV, he feels proud.”

The following points were raised by Yuvraj Singh’s father:

“It’s like watching my own kids play. Both boys were housed in Yograj Singh’s house. Like a parent, he gave them loving coaching. Yuvraj Singh is doing the same thing today. Shubman Gill has remained at his house. You’ve probably watched a lot of videos where he occasionally drives and other times Abhishek is with him.

“Yuvraj feels pleased when he watches their game on TV. I questioned him about why he had never done this before. “Papa”, he continues, “I love them.” They seem to be like my own kids. His eyes well up with tears when he speaks of them. This is as joyful as encountering God.

Suggestions for Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill…

“I would like to clarify to Abhishek and Shubman Gill that you should complete the game and then return. The other guy can score 60–70 runs, and you can score your century afterwards. If you had reached 171 in 15 overs without losing a wicket, it would have been fantastic. Don’t abandon the game in this manner.

“You were spared that day, but occasionally the boat can sink in the midst of the river. With just six balls and four runs remaining, you were out. I believe they must comprehend this. India will win every game and tournament if Shubman Gill and Abhishek play with tenacity until the fifteenth over. They are both capable of doing this.

India and Pakistan have advanced to the ACC Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 round.
With a strong Net Run Rate (NRR) and a decisive victory in its opening two games, the former was always guaranteed to win. In their must-win match against the United Arab Emirates yesterday, September 17, 2025, Pakistan defeated the hosts and earned qualification.

The fierce rivals will now play each other again in the competition after meeting earlier in the Asia Cup on September 14.

Asia Cup 2025: IND vs PAK again on September 21.

India, the reigning Asia Cup champions, will now face Pakistan once more in the Super 4s. The game is scheduled for this Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where they played their previous match.

It is important to remember that the Men in Blue still have a match against Oman in Group A. That game will take place at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on September 19. However, the outcome of that match would not have any bearing on the qualification situation because they already had four points and a solid NRR.

Apart from each other, both India and Pakistan will also have to play against the two qualifying teams from Group B in the Super 4 round.

Asia Cup Group B qualification scenario.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are vying to qualify from Group B. Even though BAN has four points from their three games thus far, their negative NRR raises serious concerns.

Afghanistan will qualify if they defeat Sri Lanka in their upcoming encounter, which is scheduled for later today in Abu Dhabi. After that, NRR will be what separates BAN from SL. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka advance to the ACC Asia Cup Super 4 if AFG loses.

With no opposition nominations submitted in advance of the September 22 elections, former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is certain to return as the CAB’s president.

Snehasish Ganguly, Ganguly’s older brother, will assume the position. For Ganguly, who led the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after serving as CAB president from 2015 to 2019, this is a homecoming. Ganguly thanked everyone in a statement, adding, “I want to thank everyone for their support. Since everyone is a member of CAB, there is no opposition. To improve CAB and Bengal cricket, we will all cooperate.” He emphasized forthcoming events such as the Bengal Pro T20 League and India’s Test match versus South Africa at Eden Gardens. “Sourav Ganguly, the former captain of India and president of the BCCI, is eligible to take over as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) once more.

For the September 22 CAB elections, no one has put forth a nomination against him. He is anticipated to succeed his older brother, Snehasish Ganguly. According to Ganguly, everyone is a member of this association. “I want to thank everyone for their support,” Ganguly said in a statement on Sunday. Everyone in the CAB is a member of this association; thus, there is no opposition. He would also do everything in his power to ensure that the Men’s T20 World Cup, the Bengal Pro T20 League, and the India vs. South Africa Test match are successfully hosted in the forthcoming season. “We will all work together to take CAB and Bengal cricket forward.”

Sourav Ganguly, the former captain of India and president of the BCCI, will once again serve as the CAB’s president. There isn’t a single nomination against him in the September 22 elections. Snehasish Ganguly, his older brother, will now have to resign from his position as president.

“I want to thank everyone for their support,” Sourav Ganguly said in a statement on Sunday. There is no resistance at CAB. This alliance includes everyone. To improve CAB and Bengal cricket, we will all cooperate.” He also discussed forthcoming major events, such as the Bengal Pro T20 League, the T20 World Cup, and the Test match between South Africa and India at Eden Gardens. He promised to do everything in his power to ensure their hosting was a success.

The India vs. Pakistan match, which is set for this Sunday, is intensifying the political situation in Punjab.

The federal government’s decision to let the match is being questioned by opposition parties.

They contend that why Team India is being forced to play against Pakistan when there have been terrorist incidents in locations like Pathankot, Pulwama, and most recently, Pahalgam?

The IPL franchise Punjab Kings, who neglected to mention Pakistan in their social media post on the match—which has become a hot topic of discussion—further stoked the fire.

The decision to hold the match was discussed during a press conference yesterday by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Diljit’s movie was banned, but the match against Pakistan is still going on, said CM Mann.

Bhagwant Mann, the chief minister of Punjab, has harshly condemned this game. According to CM Mann, “The film of Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh was banned because his film was featuring a Pakistani artist, but the Central Government itself is playing a friendly match.”

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated: The terrible terrorist incidents in Pathankot and Pulwama have been forgotten since the cricket match between India and Pakistan is already underway. Though everyone remains mute during sports, questions are occasionally voiced about these delicate subjects.CM Mann stated: “On one hand there is talk of banning films, and on the other hand, when it comes to the cricket match, they turn their faces away, because people from the families of big leaders are sitting on important positions.” Since the ICC Chairman is his son, he requested that Union Minister Amit Shah call and get this judgement overturned.

Relationships need get better before trade and cricket can take place, according to Harbhajan.

Former cricket player Harbhajan Singh made a statement regarding the India-Pakistan match, stating that the two nations shouldn’t play cricket together in light of the terrorist attacks. “India vs. Pakistan matches are always in the headlines,” Harbhajan stated during a Mumbai event. However, it has also become a delicate topic after the Pathankot assault and Operation Sider. Neither cricket nor trade should take place until the two nations’ relationship improves. He reminded everyone that even Indian players had lately declined to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends.

According to Kejriwal, the India-Pakistan match is a betrayal of the nation.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal also responded angrily. He stated, “Playing a match with Pakistan is a betrayal of the country, and every Indian is extremely angry about this.” A video footage of Pakistani cricketer Faheem Ashraf’s abusive post against Operation Sinder was also uploaded by Kejriwal.

The Punjab AAP chief stated: Cricket is more passionate than blood.

“Has the passion for cricket become greater than the blood of martyrs, Prime Minister?” remarked Manish Sisodia, the Punjab in-charge for the Aam Aadmi Party and a former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister. What is the ultimate purpose of playing Pakistan once our sisters’ sindoor has been eradicated? Sisodia also questioned why Diljit’s films are prohibited throughout the nation.

At the inauguration event, Singh stated, “The academy is not just about producing cricketers.”

It’s about developing well-rounded, disciplined people who can compete on a global scale. It’s crucial to stay in the race, but we want participants to compete with themselves rather than other players.

Gems Modern Academy in Nad Al Sheba, Gems Metropole School in Al Waha, and Gems New Millennium in Al Khail will be the academy’s first three training facilities in Dubai.

Future plans call for constructing a cricket pitch just for the academy. In order to guarantee that players receive regular competitive exposure rather than being limited to training drills, Singh and his staff also unveiled a schedule full of weekly practice matches.

Furthermore, the programme has established alliances with English county clubs, which will provide fully financed scholarships to chosen youngsters.

To give students worldwide the opportunity to improve their talents, discussions are in progress to extend similar partnerships with cricketing heavyweights in South Africa, Australia, and India.

RSR Cricket Academy stands out for its meticulous approach to performance development. The academy will allocate resources to areas that are frequently disregarded in cricket training, in addition to the customary emphasis on hitting, bowling, and fielding.

These include:

“The game of cricket involves fractions of a second,” Singh clarified. Execution, listening, and observational skills are crucial. We want our athletes to be prepared for those moments that could change the course of the game, and every little detail matters.

Legends of cricket from around the world are supporting Singh’s ambitious ambition. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, a former captain of the West Indies, and Curtly Ambrose, a great fast bowler, will be joining the coaching staff. Their worldwide knowledge and perspective will be crucial. Students will be guided by some of the best cricket minds in the world thanks to their presence.

Singh also emphasised the value of integrating academics and athletics. In addition to playing cricket, we urge young sportsmen to seek studies. They must develop as people, not just as athletes, he stated.

The academy has implemented a thorough scholarship scheme to enable this. For worthy kids, this program will pay for both tuition and cricket coaching, guaranteeing that raw potential is not impeded by financial or logistical obstacles.

The project’s core message was encapsulated by Rajaram Krishnamurthy, the marketing head: “We are here for a purpose, not for need.” The goal of this program is to empower and open doors for Dubai’s upcoming cricket players.

Selectors don’t seem to be impressed by Siraj’s T20 consistency, despite the fact that he has been riding high after taking five wickets at The Oval during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Even though he took 16 wickets in the 2025 IPL, his opponents’ stats were higher.

Prasidh Krishna not only won the Purple Cap but also became one of the league’s most reliable quicks, although Bumrah and Arshdeep also outperformed him over the season. An impressive IPL campaign and a powerful performance in his first international series against England earlier this year, on the other hand, strengthened Rana’s cause. According to the report, Test captain Shubman Gill may not be included in the T20 lineup unless head coach Gautam Gambhir demands that he be included in the August 19 selection meeting in Mumbai. Hardik Pandya, an all-round player who is renowned for maintaining composure during India’s T20 World Cup victory, is anticipated to be the fourth seamer. It’s unlikely that veteran Mohammed Shami, who played in India’s most recent Twenty20 International match against England, will be taken into consideration this time.

In contrast, India’s spin attack appears more stable. Axar Patel, the vice captain, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav are all predicted to make the team. Although his spot is not assured, Washington Sundar may possibly be selected in the draft.

Siraj’s exclusion, if verified, will demonstrate the selectors’ preference for T20 experts over Test match stars and the intense fight for spots in India’s white-ball lineup leading up to the Asia Cup and the busy international schedule that follows.

Pant got hurt while trying to play a reverse sweep shot during the 68th over. He was hit on the leg, and although it looked painful, he said he was fine at first.

Later, a stretcher was brought, and he had to leave the field after scoring 37 runs. His 72-run partnership with the other batsman came to an end.

Under ICC rules, a team can only use a substitute if a player has a head injury or concussion. Since Pant had a finger injury, India could not replace him with another batter.

However, a fielder can take over the wicketkeeping role if the main wicketkeeper is injured.

England’s bowlers made it hard for India after Pant’s injury. India could not use a full batting or bowling substitute in his place.

ਹਰਮੀਤ ਢਿੱਲੋਂ ਦਾ ਜਨਮ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਇਆ ਸੀ। ਉਸ ਦੇ ਮਾਤਾ-ਪਿਤਾ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਚਲੇ ਗਏ ਜਦੋਂ ਉਹ ਛੋਟੀ ਸੀ। 2016 ਵਿੱਚ, ਉਹ ਕਲੀਵਲੈਂਡ ਵਿੱਚ GOP ਸੰਮੇਲਨ ਦੇ ਮੰਚ ‘ਤੇ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਭਾਰਤੀ-ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਸੀ। ਡੋਨਾਲਡ ਟਰੰਪ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਮੈਂ ਹਰਮੀਤ ਕੇ ਢਿੱਲੋਂ ਨੂੰ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਿਆਂ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਿਵਲ ਰਾਈਟਸ ਲਈ ਸਹਾਇਕ ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਜਨਰਲ ਨਿਯੁਕਤ ਕਰਕੇ ਖੁਸ਼ ਹਾਂ। ਟਰੰਪ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, ਹਰਮੀਤ ਆਪਣੇ ਪੂਰੇ ਕਰੀਅਰ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਸੁਤੰਤਰਤਾ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਲਈ ਖੜ੍ਹਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਹਰਮੀਤ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਦੇ ਚੋਟੀ ਦੇ ਵਕੀਲਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਹਨ। ਉਹ ਡਾਰਟਮਾਊਥ ਕਾਲਜ ਤੇ ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਿਟੀ ਆਫ਼ ਵਰਜੀਨੀਆ ਲਾਅ ਸਕੂਲ ਤੋਂ ਗ੍ਰੈਜੂਏਟ ਹਨ।

ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਭਾਰਤੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਟਰੰਪ ਦੀ ਟੀਮ ‘ਚ ਮਿਲੀ ਜਗ੍ਹਾ
ਡੋਨਾਲਡ ਟਰੰਪ ਨੇ ਹੁਣ ਤੱਕ ਕਈ ਭਾਰਤੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੀ ਟੀਮ ‘ਚ ਨਾਮਜ਼ਦ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ। ਨਵੇਂ ਚੁਣੇ ਗਏ ਉਪ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਜੇਡੀ ਵਾਂਸ ਦੀ ਪਤਨੀ ਊਸ਼ਾ ਚਿਲੁਕੁਰੀ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਮੂਲ ਦੇ ਹਨ। ਊਸ਼ਾ ਆਂਧਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਦੇਸ਼ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਤ ਹੈ।

ਵਿਵੇਕ ਰਾਮਾਸਵਾਮੀ, ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕੁਸ਼ਲਤਾ ਵਧਾਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੇ ਮੁਖੀ ਵਜੋਂ ਨਿਯੁਕਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ, ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਵੀ ਕੇਰਲ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧ ਹਨ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਾਤਾ-ਪਿਤਾ ਕੇਰਲਾ ਤੋਂ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਆ ਕੇ ਵਸੇ ਸਨ ਅਤੇ ਇੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਜਨਮ ਹੋਇਆ ਸੀ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਕੋਲਕਾਤਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਨਮੇ ਜੈ ਭੱਟਾਚਾਰੀਆ ਨੂੰ ਟਰੰਪ ਨੇ ਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਇੰਸਟੀਚਿਊਟ ਆਫ਼ ਹੈਲਥ ਦੇ ਡਾਇਰੈਕਟਰ ਦੇ ਅਹੁਦੇ ਲਈ ਚੁਣਿਆ ਹੈ।

ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਨਮੇ ਪਟੇਲ ਦੀਆਂ ਜੜ੍ਹਾਂ ਗੁਜਰਾਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਨ। ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਾਤਾ-ਪਿਤਾ ਪੂਰਬੀ ਅਫਰੀਕਾ ਤੋਂ ਹਨ। ਮਾਂ ਤਨਜ਼ਾਨੀਆ ਤੋਂ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਯੂਗਾਂਡਾ ਤੋਂ ਹਨ। ਉਹ 1970 ਵਿੱਚ ਕੈਨੇਡਾ ਤੋਂ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਆਇਆ ਸੀ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਇੰਟਰਵਿਊ ‘ਚ ਕਿਹਾ ਸੀ, ਅਸੀਂ ਗੁਜਰਾਤੀ ਹਾਂ। 70 ਦੇ ਦਹਾਕੇ ਦੇ ਅਖੀਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਕੁਈਨਜ਼, ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਵਿੱਚ ਚਲਾ ਗਿਆ, ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਲਿਟਲ ਇੰਡੀਆ ਵਜੋਂ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।

ਇੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਕਸ਼ ਪਟੇਲ ਦਾ ਜਨਮ ਅਤੇ ਪਾਲਣ ਪੋਸ਼ਣ ਹੋਇਆ ਸੀ। ਪਟੇਲ ਦੇ ਮਾਤਾ-ਪਿਤਾ ਹੁਣ ਸੇਵਾਮੁਕਤ ਹੋ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਆਪਣਾ ਸਮਾਂ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਜਰਾਤ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਿਤਾਉਂਦੇ ਹਨ।

Match 26 of the WBBL 2024 will see the Sydney Sixers Women take on the Brisbane Heat Women at the iconic North Sydney Oval on Thursday, November 14. Both teams will be looking to turn their fortunes around after mixed results in the tournament so far.

Team Form and Preview

The Sydney Sixers Women have won three and lost three of their matches, placing them sixth on the WBBL 2024 points table. After a tough 18-run defeat to the Sydney Thunder in the Sydney derby, the Sixers will be eager to get back to winning ways in this clash.

On the other hand, the Brisbane Heat Women have also won three of their six matches. However, their victories haven’t been as convincing, and they will be hoping to build some momentum with a strong performance in this game.

Pitch Report: North Sydney Oval

The pitch at North Sydney Oval has been playing slower as the tournament progresses. In the four matches played at this venue in WBBL 2024, teams batting first have come out victorious. The slow nature of the pitch is expected to favor spinners, and captains winning the toss will likely choose to bat first on Thursday.

Probable Playing XIs

Sydney Sixers Women: Alyssa Healy (wk), Ellyse Perry (c), Amelia Kerr, Ashleigh Gardner, Hollie Armitage, Mathilda Carmichael, Maitlan Brown, Sophie Ecclestone, Caoimhe Bray, Courtney Grace Sippel, Lauren Cheatle

Brisbane Heat Women: Grace Harris, Georgia Redmayne (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Jess Jonassen (c), Laura Harris, Charli Knott, Nadine de Klerk, Lucy Hamilton, Shikha Pandey, Grace Parsons, Nicola Hancock

Key Player: Sophie Ecclestone

Sophie Ecclestone has been in exceptional form for the Sydney Sixers this season. Although her recent performances have not been as dominant in terms of wickets, she remains a key threat with the ball. The talented English spinner will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing outing and play a key role in today’s match.

Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today?

The match prediction for today’s WBBL 2024 clash between Sydney Sixers Women and Brisbane Heat Women is based on team form, pitch conditions, and recent performances.

Scenario 1: Sydney Sixers Women Win the Toss and Bat First

• Powerplay: 45-55
• SS-W Total: 145-165
• Predicted Winner: Sydney Sixers Women

Scenario 2: Brisbane Heat Women Win the Toss and Bat First

• Powerplay: 40-50
• BH-W Total: 140-160
• Predicted Winner: Brisbane Heat Women

Disclaimer

The prediction is based on the author’s analysis, understanding, and instinct. While making your own prediction, we recommend considering the factors mentioned above to make an informed decision.

READ STORY : WBBL 2024: Match 26 – Sydney Sixers Women vs Brisbane Heat Women Prediction: Who will win today’s clash?

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