Several Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 matches could be played behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed, due to municipal corporation elections in Navi Mumbai on January 15. The BCCI may be forced to go ahead without fans, as the police will not be able to provide adequate security in Mumbai.
The WPL schedule was announced on November 29, well before the municipal election date was made public on December 15. Notably, the WPL committee was informed, but there was very little time left to change plans. This made it difficult to rearrange logistics for the matches scheduled in Navi Mumbai.
WPL Matches Likely to Be Played Behind Closed Doors Amid Election Security Concerns
Several WPL matches around the municipal election period remain uncertain due to security concerns. The fixtures most affected are Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz on January 14 and Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz on January 15, which are likely to be played without spectators.
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There is also no clear update yet on whether fans will be allowed for the Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match scheduled for January 16.
The uncertainty is reflected in ticketing as well. The official Women’s Premier League ticketing platform has not released tickets for matches on January 14, 15, and 16.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the police have formally informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India that election duties will stretch security resources, making it impossible to provide adequate cover on polling day.
As a result, matches on January 15 will be held behind closed doors, while clarity is still awaited for games on January 14 and January 16.
We May Have to Host Matches Without Any Crowd – BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia
Matches scheduled for January 15 in the Women’s Premier League will be played without spectators, while a final call is still pending for games on January 14 and January 16. There is no confirmation yet on whether the Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match on January 16 will also take place behind closed doors.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the board is considering hosting the January 14 and 15 matches without fans after receiving input from the police. However, he added that no official decision has been taken so far, and discussions are still ongoing.
“We may have to host those two matches (on January 14 and 15) without any crowd. We are contemplating that idea after the police intimation, but as of now, no decision has been taken,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Sportstar on Monday.
WPL Set to Move from Navi Mumbai to Vadodara After January 17
WPL Season 4 is scheduled to be played across two venues. The opening phase is being held at the DY Patil Stadium, while the second phase and the final will take place in Vadodara. DY Patil Stadium is a regular venue for women’s cricket and usually attracts large crowds for WPL matches.
Tickets are already on sale for the January 17 double-header at DY Patil Stadium, which features Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz, followed by Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This suggests that crowd restrictions may ease after the election period.
Following the January 17 matches, the tournament will shift to Vadodara for the rest of the season. No spectator restrictions have been in place for the Vadodara leg, with smoother operations as the league progresses.
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