Full Breakdown
WPL 2027: Dates, Auction and Venue Plans Unveiled
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Schedule, Auction and Retention Deadline
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the key milestones for the fifth edition of the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL). The tournament will run from January 14 to February 7, 2027. Franchises must submit their player-retention lists by September 28, 2026, after which the player auction will be held on October 28, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt in Kochi. Each squad may contain up to 18 players, including a maximum of six overseas players, and the salary cap for the cycle is set at INR15 crore.
Background & Context
Since its launch in 2023, the WPL has grown into the premier T20 competition for women’s cricket, featuring five franchises that have contested four seasons. From 2026 onward the league shifted to a January–February window, aligning the tournament ahead of the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy scheduled for February 2027. The 2026 edition concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeating Delhi Capitals in Vadodara on February 5.
Data & Statistics
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tournament dates | January 14 – February 7, 2027 |
| Retention deadline | September 28, 2026 |
| Auction date & venue | October 28, 2026 – Grand Hyatt, Kochi |
| Squad size limit | 18 players (max 6 overseas) |
| Salary cap | INR15 crore |
| Number of franchises | 5 |
Official Statements & Responses
The statement also noted that the league will continue to operate under the existing roster regulations, with each team allowed a maximum of six overseas players.
Venue Considerations
While the BCCI has not issued a final venue list, sources indicate that Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium and Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium are the leading candidates. A new stadium in Varanasi is also under review; the board’s cricket-operations team plans a reconnaissance visit and may schedule domestic matches there to assess suitability before committing to WPL fixtures.
Why It Matters
The confirmed schedule positions the WPL as a preparatory platform for the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, which will be staged at Brabourne and Kotambi from February 14 – 28, 2027. By finalising dates and the auction timeline, the BCCI enables franchises to plan squad composition and marketing strategies, while providing emerging talent a high-visibility stage ahead of the global tournament.
What’s Next
- The BCCI will complete its venue assessment, including the Varanasi stadium recce, before publishing the full match schedule.
- Franchises will finalize retention decisions by the September 28 deadline, shaping the player pool that will be auctioned in Kochi.
- Domestic or practice matches are expected at any newly-considered venue to verify operational readiness ahead of the league’s launch.