Three upcoming matches in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 are likely to be played behind closed doors, without spectators, at the DY Patil stadium due to municipal corporation elections in Navi Mumbai on January 15.
According to ESPNcricinfo, local police have informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that they can’t provide adequate security for the match between Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz on election day. The matches on January 14, Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz, and January 16, Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, could also be affected.
The WPL schedule was announced on November 29 last year, with the election date being made public on December 15. The WPL committee was informed shortly after the election date was finalised, as per the report.
Though the BCCI has yet to announce the development, the WPL’s ticketing platform hasn’t listed these three matches either. Tickets are being sold for the double-header on January 17, MI vs UPW and DC vs RCB, at the ground, which would be the last matches here before the league moves to Vadodara for the second half.
Supporters and players would be disappointed alike if the plan goes through. Most women’s international cricketers refer to the DY Patil Stadium as the unofficial home of the Indian team, which was only solidified when they won the 2025 World Cup semi-final and final here in front of record crowds.
Almost every match of the WPL has been a sold-out so far.
“Whenever you enter the ground, we exactly remember where the last catch [Harmanpreet Kaur’s catch at extra cover to dismiss Nadine de Klerk] was taken, what happened after that and where all the moments happened and even after 20 years when we come back, we are still going to remember exactly what happened on November 2,” RCB captain Smriti Mandhana had said before the first game against Mumbai Indians.
Spectators may not be allowed for three Women's Premier League (WPL) matches at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai because of a security manpower shortage caused by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and BMC elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.
The local police informed the BCCI that they would be unable to provide adequate security for the stadium as most personnel will be deployed for election duty and maintaining law and order across the city.
Affected Fixtures (January 14–16)
While a final call on the January 16 match is still pending official confirmation from the BCCI, tickets have currently been removed from platforms like Zomato and BookMyShow for the following dates:
January 14: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz
January 15: Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz (Polling Day)
January 16: Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Key Details of the Situation
Election Conflict: The WPL schedule was released on November 28, 2025, while the election dates were only announced later on December 15. This overlap left the BCCI with little time to relocate the matches.
Security Constraints: Police reinforcements have been pulled from other districts for election duty, leaving the Navi Mumbai police understaffed for a high-profile sporting event.
Matches Still on Schedule: Despite the "closed-door" status, the matches will proceed as scheduled for broadcast; only public entry is restricted.
Return of Fans: Spectators are expected to be allowed back for the double-header on January 17, after which the tournament moves to Vadodara for its second leg.
Note: Fans who previously purchased tickets for these dates should look for official refund announcements from the respective ticketing partners.
Would you like me to check for the latest official BCCI statement regarding ticket refunds or the updated points table for WPL 2026?
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