The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 officially launched today, January 9, 2026, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai with a high-stakes encounter between two heavyweights. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field first, identifying the heavy dew as a critical factor that would favor the chasing side.

The season opener is marked by a massive shift in team dynamics, with both sides missing iconic veterans and blooding new talent. RCB has entered the fray with a bold, all-rounder-heavy lineup featuring six debutants, including high-profile overseas recruits like Grace Harris and Lauren Bell. Meanwhile, the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), are looking to maintain their dominance despite being forced into late changes to their core combination. The atmosphere at the stadium remains electric as the league embarks on a new chapter, following a glamorous opening ceremony that celebrated the ‘Unstoppable Rise’ of women’s cricket.

WPL 2026, MI vs RCB: Reason behind the star all-rounder’s Hayley Matthews’ absence

In a significant blow to the defending champions just moments before the toss, Mumbai revealed that their star West Indian all-rounder Hayley Matthews would miss the opening clash. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed that Matthews, who has been the ‘engine’ of MI’s success over the past three seasons, was ruled out after falling unwell.

Her absence forced a tactical reshuffle, leading to a maiden WPL cap for Australian all-rounder Nicola Carey, who steps in to provide balance with her seam bowling and middle-order batting. Beyond her cricketing contributions, Matthews’ presence at the top of the order is a major miss for Mumbai, as she was instrumental in both of their previous title wins. The team management expressed hope for her quick recovery, but for the opening night, the onus shifted to the remaining veteran core of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr to fill the massive void left by the Caribbean superstar.

Also WATCH: WPL 2026 opening ceremony turns electric as Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez and Harnaaz Sandhu steal the show

WPL 2026: RCB’s new look and MI’s teenage sensation

The opening match has become a platform for a new generation, most notably featuring the debut of teenage sensation G Kamalini for Mumbai. The Under-19 World Cup winner and recent India debutant has been thrust into the spotlight, slotted to open the innings alongside the experienced Nat Sciver-Brunt. On the opposite side, the Ellyse Perry-less RCB, with Perry notably pulling out of the season due to personal reasons, has undergone a total transformation.

They handed out six debuts, including overseas stars Harris, Bell and Linsey Smith, alongside Indian recruits like Radha Yadav and D Hemalatha. RCB’s lineup is uniquely structured, loaded with five all-rounders but appearing light on traditional batting depth, leaving Richa Ghosh with the heavy responsibility of anchoring the middle order at No. 4. With so many fresh faces on both sides, the season opener is less about past rivalries and more about which new-look squad can adapt to the pressure of the big stage first.

Also WATCH: Ellyse Perry shares emotional tribute to RCB ahead of WPL 2026 clash with Mumbai Indians

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Becoming a three-format regular for India cricket team is one of the toughest challenges in modern-day cricket, given the intense competition and the ever-evolving demands of each format. Former India opener believes that while Yashasvi Jaiswal has the talent to succeed across formats, the youngster is missing a piece in his journey to becoming a complete all-format player.

Becoming a three-format player remains a rare achievement

In an era where formats demand contrasting skill sets, excelling consistently in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is is no easy feat. Indian cricket’s depth means even highly talented players must outperform peers season after season to stay relevant. Only a select few have managed to adapt their technique, temperament, and mindset to meet the shifting requirements of red-ball patience, 50-over balance, and T20 explosiveness. For young cricketers, the pathway to becoming indispensable across formats often hinges on producing standout performances in high-pressure tournaments.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s rise and the gaps in his white-ball journey

Jaiswal is widely regarded as one of India’s brightest batting prospects and has already established himself as a regular in the Test side. His composure, hunger for big scores, and ability to bat long hours have impressed selectors and fans alike. However, his exposure in white-ball cricket remains limited, particularly in T20Is, where competition for opening slots is fierce. While Jaiswal has shown flashes of brilliance in limited-overs cricket, he has yet to cement a permanent role, leaving questions about his readiness to be viewed as a three-format certainty.

India are set to face New Zealand in a white-ball series comprising three ODIs followed by five T20Is, starting in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11. Although Jaiswal has been included in the ODI squad, his absence from the T20I plans underlines the selectors’ cautious approach and the importance of sustained impact performances.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra names Indian cricket’s top 5 defining moments of 2025

Ex-opener presents blueprint for Jaiswal to become an all-format star

Addressing the topic on his YouTube channel, former opener Aakash Chopra offered a clear roadmap for Jaiswal’s progression. According to the former opener, a blockbuster IPL season could transform Jaiswal’s standing in white-ball cricket. Chopra stressed that tallying 400 to 450 runs in a season, while respectable, does not align with Jaiswal’s potential or the expectations placed on him.

“Yashasvi, I have a request for you. I want you to have a 700-run IPL season. Every year, I think it would be like that for you. You are having 400 to 450-run seasons, but that’s not good enough. Not for you, not for your standard,” said Chopra.

Chopra urged the left-hander to aim higher, specifically setting the benchmark at a 700-run IPL campaign. Such a season, he argued, would force the selectors’ hand and make Jaiswal impossible to ignore across formats. In Chopra’s view, a dominant IPL not only reflects consistency and adaptability but also demonstrates the match-winning impact required at the international level.

“I need a 700-run season so that you break the door and go in. That’s what I expect from him. That’s what I want from him. So Yashasvi should actually become a three-format player sooner than later,” he added.

Also READ: Harry Brook, Yashasvi Jaiswal or Rachin Ravindra? Mark Waugh names the next greatest Test batter

The fourth season of the Women’s Premier League 2026 ignited with a high-stakes clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field, citing the potential impact of late-evening dew on the chase. England’s Lauren Bell made her RCB debut and immediately looked at home, finding sharp movement that troubled the world-class MI batting order. While Gunalan Kamalini showed early aggression with a few crisp drives, the focus quickly shifted to the intense battle between Bell and Amelia Kerr.

Lauren Bell marks RCB debut by dismissing Amelia Kerr to pick WPL 2026’s first wicket

The first breakthrough of WPL 2026 came from RCB’s debutant Lauren Bell, who orchestrated a dream start by dismissing the dangerous Kerr for just 4 runs off 15 balls. Kerr found herself etched into the record books for the wrong reasons, setting a new WPL record for the slowest start by an opening batter, taking 11 deliveries just to get off the mark.

Throughout her stay at the crease, Kerr appeared completely at sea against Bell’s extravagant inward movement and extra bounce, playing and missing at eight of the 11 balls the tall English pacer bowled to her. The dismissal eventually came in the 5th over when Kerr tried to swipe a hard-length delivery across the line, only to get a leading edge that flew straight to Arundhati Reddy at extra cover. Bell’s clinical opening spell, which included a maiden over and figures of 1/7 in her first three overs, left the Mumbai Indians reeling and proved that RCB’s new overseas recruit is perfectly suited for the bouncy Navi Mumbai track.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: WPL 2026 opening ceremony turns electric as Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez and Harnaaz Sandhu steal the show

WPL 2026: Late surge lifts MI to a fighting 154 as RCB’s bowlers keep the opener nicely poised

Mumbai recovered from early jolts and a stuttering middle phase to post a competitive 154/6 against Bengaluru in the opening match of WPL 2026 at Navi Mumbai, a total shaped by a strong finish rather than a fluent start.

Asked to bat first, MI struggled for momentum in the powerplay, managing just 34 runs and losing Kerr early, before Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur fell in quick succession to leave them searching for stability. That stability arrived through a measured rebuild led by Kamalini, followed by a decisive acceleration from Nicola Carey and Sajeevan Sajana, whose fifth-wicket partnership changed the tempo of the innings.

Carey played the anchor with a controlled 40 off 29 balls, while Sajana provided the spark, attacking the spinners and pace alike to race to 45 off just 25 deliveries, including seven boundaries and a six. The final five overs yielded 54 runs, allowing MI to push past the 150 mark despite losing wickets late. RCB’s bowlers, however, ensured the damage was contained, with Nadine de Klerk emerging as the standout by picking up four wickets for 26, repeatedly striking just as MI threatened to break away. Bell was impressive with the new ball, conceding only 14 runs in her four overs and setting the tone early, while Shreyanka Patil chipped in with a crucial breakthrough.

Also WATCH: Ellyse Perry shares emotional tribute to RCB ahead of WPL 2026 clash with Mumbai Indians

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Mumbai Indians clawed their way back into the WPL 2026 contest through a moment of sheer class from Amelia Kerr, as the off-spinner produced a decisive over to derail Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s chase at the DY Patil Stadium. With RCB looking settled at 90/5 in pursuit of 155 and the asking rate still manageable, the game hinged on one breakthrough to shift momentum. Kerr delivered exactly that, and more, by striking twice in the same over, removing the dangerous Richa Ghosh and cleaning up Radha Yadav with a beauty. The double blow left RCB needing 65 runs from 43 balls, suddenly exposed in the lower middle order. It was the kind of over that doesn’t just take wickets, but flips belief. MI’s body language lifted instantly, the crowd found its voice, and the chase tilted sharply.

WPL 2026, MI-W vs RCB-W: Amelia Kerr removes Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav in the Same Over 

The big strike was the Richa one, and Kerr knew it. Tossing the ball up full and just outside off, she tempted Richa Ghosh into going aerial over long-off, a shot RCB desperately needed in that phase. Ghosh didn’t quite get under it, and the ball flew flatter than intended, allowing Alex Carey to judge it perfectly, move left, leap, and complete a sharp catch under pressure. Ghosh’s reaction said it all, head thrown back, disbelief written across her face, because MI had just removed RCB’s most explosive finisher for 6 off 6 balls.

Just a few deliveries earlier, Kerr went quicker and smarter, unleashing a perfectly disguised googly to Radha. Bowled on a teasing length outside off, the ball dipped late, spun viciously, and left Radha completely clueless as she lunged forward, playing for turn that never came. The googly ripped past the inside edge and crashed into middle and leg, a dismissal that underlined Kerr’s control, deception, and confidence under pressure. Two wickets in an over, both different in execution, both devastating in impact. From a steady chase to a nervy scramble, RCB suddenly found themselves relying on tail-end resistance.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: Dream start for Lauren Bell at RCB as Amelia Kerr becomes first wicket of WPL 2026

Kerr’s twin strikes Put Mumbai Indians firmly in control against RCB

Mumbai have seized a strong grip on the opening night of WPL 2026 as Bengaluru find themselves under mounting pressure at 118/6 after 16.3 overs, still needing 37 runs from 21 balls. What once looked like a competitive chase has steadily slipped away from RCB, largely due to MI’s disciplined middle-overs bowling and timely breakthroughs.

Kerr has been the standout, conceding just 13 runs in her four overs while picking up two massive wickets, effectively stalling RCB’s momentum when the game was finely balanced. Her dismissals of Richa and Radha in the same over triggered a collapse that RCB have struggled to recover from. Earlier, the chase promised fireworks as Grace Harris smashed 25 off just 12 balls and Smriti Mandhana struck a fluent 18, racing RCB to 57/2 inside the powerplay. However, once Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver-Brunt applied the brakes, the tempo dipped sharply.

The loss of Mandhana, Harris, Hemalatha and then the quick double blow from Kerr reduced RCB to 65/5 inside eight overs, completely shifting the pressure onto the lower order. Nadine de Klerk has fought admirably with an unbeaten 32 off 28 balls, anchoring the innings, while Arundhati Reddy supported her with a gritty 20, but the required rate has crept beyond 10 an over. MI’s fielding intensity has been equally decisive, highlighted by sharp catches from Carey and Ismail that snuffed out any hopes of a late surge.

Also READ: WPL 2026: Here’s why Hayley Matthews is not playing today’s MI-W vs RCB-W match

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

WPL 2026 season opener at the DY Patil Stadium was a night of pure theater, beginning with a star-studded opening ceremony and ending with a final-ball thriller. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) managed to edge out the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), in a match that will be remembered for individual brilliance and a miraculous comeback.

WPL 2026: Nadine de Klerk pulls off dramatic turnaround as RCB defeat MI in a thriller

South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk orchestrated a heist of epic proportions to give RCB a winning start. Chasing a target of 155, Bengaluru found themselves in deep trouble at 121/7 after 17.2 overs, with the required rate climbing steeply and the MI bowling attack, led by Nicola Carey and Amelia Kerr, looking impenetrable.

De Klerk, who had been dropped twice in the 19th over and survived a close run-out call, took the game into the final over with 18 runs needed off just 6 balls. After starting the over with two nerve-wracking dot balls from Nat Sciver-Brunt, the equation stood at a near-impossible 18 from 4, but de Klerk remained ice-cold under the stadium lights. She proceeded to dismantle the defense with a sequence of 6, 4, 6, 4, clearing the long-off boundary with immense power before sealing the victory on the final delivery to finish unbeaten on 63 off 44 balls*.

The victory was the culmination of a perfect all-round performance by de Klerk, who had earlier dismantled the Mumbai’s top order during her four-over spell. After Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field, de Klerk utilized the “spongy bounce” of the DY Patil pitch to perfection, removing stars like Nat Sciver-Brunt and the MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur to finish with career-best figures of 4/26.

Despite her early breakthroughs, Mumbai had managed to post a competitive 154/6 thanks to a resilient 83-run partnership between Sajeevan Sajana (45) and Nicola Carey (40). However, their efforts were overshadowed by the sheer will of de Klerk, who single-handedly dragged RCB across the line in the final moments of the game. This 3-wicket victory serves as a massive statement of intent for Bengaluru, proving they have the temperament to win from any situation as they look to dethrone the reigning champions this season.

Also WATCH: Dream start for Lauren Bell at RCB as Amelia Kerr becomes first wicket of WPL 2026

WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians stunned by late Royal Challengers Bengaluru surge

Defending champions Mumbai Indians appeared to have the match firmly in their grasp until a final-over explosion turned their certain victory into a heartbreaking defeat. After a shaky start where they were reduced to 67/4, the middle-order pair of Sajana and Carey played with immense maturity, counter-attacking against the RCB spinners to lift the total to 154.

Sajana was particularly aggressive, striking seven boundaries and a six in her 25-ball 45, while Carey provided the stability with a crucial 40. Their partnership gave the MI bowlers a target they felt confident defending, and for 19 overs, it seemed they were right. Shabnim Ismail and Amelia Kerr bowled with discipline, consistently picking up wickets and stifling the RCB chase, leaving the Bengaluru side needing a daunting 18 runs off the final four deliveries of the entire match.

However, the game shifted in a matter of minutes as Nat Sciver-Brunt struggled to contain a rampaging de Klerk in the ultimate over of the night. Mumbai’s fielding, which had been sharp for most of the evening, crumbled under the pressure of the death overs, with two critical catches of de Klerk being spilled in the penultimate over, errors that would eventually cost them the game.

As the final ball raced to the long-off fence for four, the Mumbai Indians were left to reflect on a game of missed opportunities and a rare failure to close out a match from a dominant position. While the defeat is a setback for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, the fighting spirit shown by their lower-middle order remains a positive takeaway.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

Woowwwwww

What a game that was

Intense , kept swinging both ways and just the start a tournament like @wplt20 needs

Cricket is a beautiful sport . Love it

Nadine de Klerk you were 🤩

Well done @RCBTweets and @mipaltan
Fun start

❤️❤️

— DK (@DineshKarthik) January 9, 2026

Great start to the WPL. 🔥🔥🔥
Well done to RCB!
De Klerk lives up to the promise.👌#WPL2026 #RCBvMI

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 9, 2026

You knew it at the Women’s World Cup – Nadine de Klerk is going to be an absolute game changer wherever she goes. What a start to the WPL !! First of many this season for @rcb for sure …

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) January 9, 2026

NADINE DE KLERK REMEMBER THE NAME

— Kevin (@imkevin149) January 9, 2026

Nadine de Klerk! I know a lot would hate me saying this but very Lance Kluseneresque that was! Sooo much fun! South Africa produces such great all rounders!

— TheRandomCricketPhotosGuy (@RandomCricketP1) January 9, 2026

What a game! Nadine de Klerk continues her unreal run since the WC. #WPL2026

— Peeyush Sharma (@peeyushsharmaa) January 9, 2026

Nadine de klerk is an absolute champion of a player #WPL2026

— Yash Rathi (@YashRathi1845) January 9, 2026

Nadine de Klerk scares me like nobody else does. I haven’t recovered from the World Cup onslaught Yet and she packs another punch against us.

What a player though..#WPL2026

— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) January 9, 2026

Build Nadine de Klerk a statue. pic.twitter.com/EEUMJWpJ4L

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) January 9, 2026

First match of the season and what a thrilling match it was ⚡🔥

– Majestic innings from Nadine de Klerk 🙌#MIvRCB #WPL2026 #nandinedekelerk pic.twitter.com/REDBUOHzZs

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 9, 2026

Also WATCH: WPL 2026 opening ceremony turns electric as Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez and Harnaaz Sandhu steal the show

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

In his latest scathing column for The Telegraph on January 9, 2026, England legend Geoffrey Boycott delivered a blistering post-mortem following the conclusion of the Ashes 2025-26 series. Having watched England fall to a demoralizing 4-1 defeat in Australia, the 85-year-old former opener spared no one in the leadership group.

Boycott argued that the ‘Bazball’ era has devolved from an exciting experiment into a dangerous culture of entitlement and recklessness. He accused the team of lacking basic discipline, highlighting that their stubborn refusal to adapt to Australian conditions was the primary reason for their downfall. With his signature bluntness, Boycott demanded a complete overhaul of the coaching structure before England’s next Test assignment in June.

Geoffrey Boycott names the three culprits behind England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat

Boycott took direct aim at the three most powerful figures in England cricket, Head Coach Brendon McCullum, Managing Director Rob Key and Captain Ben Stokes, labeling them as the architects of England’s failure.

“England’s three wise men turned out to be the three stooges. Brendon McCullum, Rob Key, and Ben Stokes sold a lie for three years.” Boycott wrote.

Boycott’s primary grievance was the lack of consequences for poor performances, noting that under the current regime, players feel invincible regardless of their mistakes. Boycott observed: “Nobody tells them off, no accountability, and nobody gets dropped, so they just keep doing the same daft things. Why should the players change, adapt, or improve if the coach and captain are okay with it?” He further criticized Key for failing to exercise oversight, warning that if Key continues to blindly back McCullum’s ‘slapstick’ tactics, his own job could be at risk.

Also READ: Geoffrey Boycott proposes ‘two strong candidates’ to replace Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach after Ashes 2025-26 defeat

The gambler coach and the need for Ashes-winning counsel

Focusing his critique on the coaching philosophy, Boycott described McCullum as a leader who has fundamentally failed to evolve beyond a high-stakes gambling mindset. While acknowledging McCullum was initially a ‘breath of fresh air,’

Boycott wrote: “But he is a gambler who thinks he is always going to win his money back. That’s how casinos always win in the end… They don’t know when to stop or change their routine.” To fix this perceived arrogance, Boycott suggested that the ECB must force the leadership group to listen to “has-been” legends who actually know how to win Down Under. He urged Key to bring in greats like Ian Botham, Graham Gooch and David Gower to provide a “fresh and different” perspective, adding: “This sort of free license to do whatever you please with no consequence is holding England back. To get to the next level, we need a different discipline and structure.”

Also READ: 5 key reasons for England’s disastrous defeat in Ashes 2025-26 against Australia

Prithvi Shaw, the dynamic Indian opener, has captured hearts off the field with a heartwarming social media post alongside his girlfriend Akriti Agarwal, just as anticipation builds for IPL 2026. The 26-year-old batter, recently reunited with Delhi Capitals, shared the adorable reel on Instagram on January 9, 2026, blending romance and faith ahead of the T20 spectacle. This gesture comes at a pivotal time, signalling his renewed focus amid cricketing highs and lows.

Prithvi Shaw’s romantic reel sparks buzz before IPL 2026

Shaw dropped an endearing Instagram reel featuring his love interest, Akriti, emphasizing a divine connection in their relationship. The video showcased tender moments, including a clip from an exotic holiday, with Shaw hinting that their meeting was “God’s plan” – a caption that resonated deeply with fans craving personal insights from the star. Akriti, a rising social media sensation boasting over 3.2 million Instagram followers, brings her own flair to the spotlight, having recently stepped into acting with the Telugu crime thriller Trimukha.

This post not only highlights Shaw’s lighter side but also underscores his emotional grounding as he prepares for a redemption arc in IPL 2026, where Delhi Capitals snapped him up for ₹75 lakh in the auction’s third round after initial setbacks. Fans flooded the comments with heart emojis and cheers, bridging his on-field ambitions with off-field charm in a perfectly timed morale boost.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: 3 players who can replace Tilak Varma in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad if he misses out

Shaw’s Vijay Hazare Trophy form fuels IPL hopes

On the cricket pitch, Shaw’s recent Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 outings reflect a mix of promise and inconsistency, setting the stage for his IPL comeback. Playing for Maharashtra after a Mumbai snub, he smashed a brisk 71 off 75 balls (10 fours, 1 six) against Mumbai at Jaipur, contributing to a 140-run opening stand in a 128-run win. This knock marked his 10th fifty in the tournament (average 59.96 from 33 games) and 16th in List A cricket (3,589 runs at 55.21 avg), showcasing his explosive potential. However, recent struggles saw him dismissed for 2 against Chhattisgarh and 1 versus Goa in Round 7, highlighting consistency challenges amid fitness concerns.

Released by Delhi Capitals before IPL 2025 where he went unsold, Shaw’s return to the franchise – his original IPL home from 2018-2024 – offers a fresh shot at reclaiming his spot and impressing national selectors. With IPL 2026 on the horizon, these domestic displays blend flair and grit, positioning him as a wildcard opener ready to silence doubters.

Also READ: BCCI issues update on Tilak Varma’s availability for IND vs NZ T20I series

The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 officially kicked off on January 9, 2026, with a breathtaking opening ceremony at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Blending Bollywood glamour with the fierce ambition of women’s sport, the event set the stage for the opening blockbuster between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The ceremony followed the theme of “Confidence, Courage, and the Unstoppable Rise of Women in Sport,” reflecting the league’s massive growth after India’s recent ODI World Cup success. Highlighting the evening were star-studded performances from Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez, and an inspiring narrative by Harnaaz Sandhu, creating a cultural spectacle that went far beyond the boundary ropes. As the lights dimmed and the entertainment concluded, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field, citing the dew factor as the first ball of the 2026 season was bowled at 7:40 PM.

WPL 2026 opening ceremony: ‘Let the game begin’- Harnaaz Sandhu’s voice of empowerment

IIn a unique departure from purely musical acts, former Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu opened the proceedings with a powerful spoken-word segment that served as the “voice” of the tournament. Walking onto a specially designed pedestal at the center of the stadium, her words set an emotional tone for the season, describing the TATA WPL as a testament to the power of a woman’s dreams. Highlighting the league’s massive influence on the next generation, she emphasized that the players were competing for millions of girls watching at home, proving that their ambitions truly have no limits. She celebrated this as the era of confidence and courage, noting that the rise of women in sport has become unstoppable. Her performance culminated in a spirited Punjabi call to action, “Chakk de fatte sherniyan!”, which acted as the cue for a massive pyrotechnic display that transitioned the evening into the high-energy dance segments.

Here’s the video:

WPL 2026 opening ceremony: Jacqueline Fernandez’s Juventus style and Bollywood beats

Immediately following the narrative, Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez took center stage, captivating the audience with a high-energy dance act themed around female resilience. In a surprising and viral fashion choice, Jacqueline performed her famous hits, including the track ‘Yaar Naa Miley’ from the movie Kick, while wearing an official Juventus (Italian football club) jersey. This cross-sport aesthetic was a deliberate nod to the global influence of women’s athletics and the merging of international sport with Indian cinema. Surrounded by a team of dancers, she executed a flawless “Confidence and Courage” segment that kept the DY Patil crowd on their feet. Her performance underscored the WPL’s position as a premier entertainment property, bridging the gap between mainstream pop culture and elite-level professional cricket.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: Ellyse Perry shares emotional tribute to RCB ahead of WPL 2026 clash with Mumbai Indians

Yo Yo Honey Singh and the captains: An electrifying finale to WPL 2026 opening ceremony

The energy reached its peak when rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh made a grand entrance, starting his set seated right between the two rival captains, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, in the dugout. He kicked off his performance with his new track ‘Millionaire’, directly featuring the two iconic leaders, before moving to the main stage to belt out a mix of latest hits and timeless classics like ‘Blue Eyes’ and ‘Lungi Dance’. Dressed in an all-black outfit, Honey Singh’s performance was described as “electrifying” as he engaged with the wild crowd and moved through the arena with full energy. The ceremony reached its conclusion as all three performers, Harnaaz, Jacqueline, and Honey Singh, came together on stage for a final bow as the curtain fell, making way for the toss where Mandhana chose to field first under the humid Navi Mumbai lights.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: WPL 2026 Schedule: TV channels, Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Australia, US, UK & other countries | Women’s Premier League

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Tension within Bangladesh cricket has intensified after former national captain Tamim Iqbal was publicly criticised by a senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official for expressing caution over the board’s recent move regarding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. What began as a measured comment from a retired cricketer has now snowballed into a heated controversy, exposing the growing overlap between sport, administration, and regional politics.

Bangladesh seeks neutral venues for T20 World Cup 2026

The controversy stems from Bangladesh formally approaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request that its T20 World Cup 2026 matches not be staged in India. The move followed ongoing political unease between India and Bangladesh, prompting the BCB to argue for neutral venues to safeguard the team’s participation.

The episode has also coincided with developments involving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after BCCI reportedly requested IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 plans, underlining how geopolitical considerations are influencing cricketing decisions.

While the decision drew mixed reactions, Tamim—one of Bangladesh’s most respected modern-day cricketers—voiced concern about the long-term implications of such a step. Importantly, Tamim made it clear that he was speaking as an outsider, not as a BCB representative, and stressed that Bangladesh cricket’s broader future should remain the top priority.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Bangladesh write to ICC over security concerns in India

Tamim Iqbal’s measured remarks spark backlash

Reacting to reports of the BCB’s letter, Tamim urged caution and internal discussion before taking public positions on sensitive matters. He highlighted Bangladesh cricket’s financial reliance on the ICC and suggested that dialogue, rather than public confrontation, would better serve the country’s interests.

“What I am saying, however, is that Bangladesh cricket’s interest, future and everything else must be considered before making such a decision. There is nothing better than if something can be resolved through dialogue. What I feel, and I think I would have done the same if I were there, is that since this is a sensitive issue, before making public comments, we would discuss the matter ourselves. Bangladesh cricket’s future comes before everything else, and 90 to 95 percent of the finances come from the ICC, so decisions have to be made based on what will help Bangladesh cricket,” Tamim had said as quoted by NDTV.

However, his remarks triggered a fierce response from M. Najmul Islam, a member of the BCB’s Board of Directors. In a strongly worded social media post, Najmul accused Tamim of acting as a ‘proven Indian agent,’ a statement that quickly went viral and drew widespread criticism for its tone and implications.

In a Facebook post that has since been deleted, the director shared a graphic of Tamim’s remarks and allegedly captioned it with the inflammatory Bengali phrase “Bharatiya Dalal”. By using this term, the BCB director essentially accused Bangladesh’s most prolific batsman of prioritizing India’s cricketing interests over those of his own nation.

Also READ: Did Bangladesh drop Ridhima Pathak from the BPL 2025–26 hosting panel? Indian presenter breaks her silence

A viral moment from the ‘United in Triumph’ event has captured cricket fans’ hearts, with ICC Chairman Jay Shah fondly addressing Rohit Sharma as “India’s captain” long after the star batter stepped down from leadership duties. The 38-year-old opener’s beaming smile lit up the room, underscoring his enduring legacy amid India’s transitional phase. This gesture highlights Rohit’s monumental contributions, even as Shubman Gill takes the ODI helm ahead of the 2027 World Cup preparations.​

Jay Shah’s tribute to Rohit Sharma’s trophy-hauling tenure

Shah’s words resonated deeply during the event, where he declared, “Our captain is sitting here. I will call him captain only, as he has led the team to two ICC trophies. During the 2023 World Cup, after winning ten successive matches, we could only win hearts but couldn’t lift the trophy. In February 2024, I had said in Rajkot that in the next World Cup, we will win both hearts and the cup.”

Shah reflected on the 2023 ODI World Cup agony—ten straight wins but no silverware—and how Rohit delivered on a promise made in Rajkot in February 2024 to conquer both hearts and cups. Under Rohit’s full-time ODI captaincy from December 2021, India notched 42 victories in 56 matches, clinching the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai, where his gritty 76 steered a four-wicket chase.

In T20Is, Rohit’s record shines brightest: 49 wins from 62 games, boasting a 79.03% success rate, capped by the 2024 T20 World Cup glory—India’s second title in the format.​

Here’s the video:

Jay Shah 🗣️: “our captain Rohit Sharma is sitting here. I am still calling you captain because under you, we won two ICC trophies”.

Jay Shah is grateful to Rohit Sharma for ending the drought of ICC trophies for India 🥹🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/7xjVZdjkwQ

— Kusha Sharma  (@Kushacritic) January 8, 2026

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Rohit to carry on his form as a batter in New Zealand ODIs

Rohit enters the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand with red-hot batting form, primed to unleash his destructive opening prowess starting January 11 at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium. Recent Mumbai training sessions revealed a fitter Rohit hammering sixes and crisp drives, signalling his intent to dominate after a calculated ODI break post the October 2025 Australia tour captaincy handover and South Africa series.

Averaging over 50 in ODIs as a specialist batter this cycle, Rohit’s explosive 76 in the 2025 Champions Trophy final chase against New Zealand underscores his big-match temperament, setting the stage for fireworks alongside Virat Kohli under Gill’s leadership.

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