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Several matches of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 could be played behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed, due to the municipal elections in Navi Mumbai on January 15. The BCCI may be forced to take place without fans as the police will not be able to provide adequate security in Mumbai.
The WPL calendar was announced on November 29, well before the date of the municipal elections was made public on December 15. In particular, the WPL committee was informed, but there was very little time left to change the plans. This made it difficult to rearrange logistics for the matches scheduled in Navi Mumbai.
WPL matches likely to be played behind closed doors due to election security concerns
Several WPL matches around the municipal election period remain uncertain due to security concerns. The most affected lighting fixtures are Delhi Capitals against UP Warriorz on January 14 and Mumbai Indians against UP Warriorz on January 15, which will likely be played without spectators.
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There is also no clear update on whether fans will be allowed to attend the Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match scheduled for January 16.
The uncertainty is also reflected in ticketing. The official Women’s Premier League ticketing platform has not put tickets on sale for the matches on January 14, 15 and 16.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the police have officially informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India that election duties will strain security resources, making adequate coverage on Election Day impossible.
As a result, the matches on January 15 will take place behind closed doors, while clarification is still awaited for the matches on January 14 and 16.
We may have to hold matches without any crowds – Devajit Saikia, BCCI secretary
Matches scheduled for January 15 in the Women’s Premier League will be played without spectators, while a final call is still pending for matches on January 14 and 16. There is no confirmation yet whether the Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match on January 16 will also take place behind closed doors.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board was considering holding the January 14 and 15 matches without fans after receiving the police notice. However, he added that no official decision has been made so far and discussions are still ongoing.
“We may have to hold these two matches (January 14 and 15) without any crowd. We are considering the idea after the police announcement, 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 expected to be played at two venues. The opening phase will be held at the DY Patil Stadium, while the second phase and the final will be held in Vadodara. The 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 doubleheader at the DY Patil Stadium, which will pit Mumbai Indians against UP Warriorz, followed by Delhi Capitals against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This suggests crowd restrictions could be eased after the election period.
After the matches on January 17, the tournament will move to Vadodara for the rest of the season. No spectator restrictions have been put in place for the Vadodara leg, with smoother operations as the league progresses.
