The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 will stage matches behind closed doors in Navi Mumbai on January 14 and 15 after police confirmed they cannot provide security during municipal elections.
Authorities informed the BCCI that election duties on January 15 would stretch security resources beyond capacity. As a result, matches scheduled on the polling day will proceed without fans. Organisers have not clarified whether restrictions will extend to fixtures on January 14 and January 16.
Ticketing platforms already reflect the uncertainty. Fans cannot purchase tickets for matches on January 14, 15, or 16. If this position continues, three fixtures will be affected: Delhi Capitals versus UP Warriorz on January 14, Mumbai Indians against UP Warriorz on January 15, and Gujarat Giants facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru on January 16.
The BCCI has not issued an official statement. The league committee received information about the election timeline soon after its announcement on December 15, but fans remain unaware of the spectator ban due to the absence of communication.
The development contrasts with the vibrant atmosphere earlier in the tournament. The opening fixture drew a near-capacity crowd, and weekend double-headers attracted strong attendance, highlighting growing interest in the league.
Normal operations appear set to resume after the restricted window. Tickets are already available for the January 17 double-header at DY Patil Stadium, featuring Mumbai Indians versus UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The tournament will then move to Vadodara, where no restrictions have been indicated.
