The wait is over! The WPL 2026 opening ceremony has officially kicked off the most anticipated women’s cricket event of the year—and it did not disappoint. Held at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on January 9, 2026, the event was a dazzling fusion of sport, music, and national pride, headlined by none other than Bollywood’s chart-topping rapper, Yo Yo Honey Singh.
With fans buzzing online and stadiums filling fast, the ceremony wasn’t just a prelude to the matches—it was a celebration of how far women’s cricket has come in India. From fireworks to fierce team introductions, every moment was designed to spotlight the athletes who are redefining the game.
The WPL 2026 opening ceremony was a masterclass in fan engagement and visual spectacle. Starting at 5:30 PM IST, the event featured:
But the undeniable showstopper? Yo Yo Honey Singh’s high-octane set that had the entire crowd on its feet.
Returning to the spotlight after a brief hiatus, Honey Singh delivered a 20-minute medley of his biggest hits—including “Blue Eyes,” “Dheere Dheere,” and “Love Dose”—remixed with cricket-themed beats. Dressed in a custom jersey featuring the WPL logo, he even brought out surprise appearances from RCB’s own Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur for a quick dance-off!
“This is for every girl who picked up a bat when someone said she couldn’t,” Singh said mid-performance, drawing loud cheers. His presence wasn’t just entertainment—it was symbolic. By choosing a mainstream pop icon known for mass appeal, the BCCI sent a clear message: women’s cricket is now mainstream entertainment.
The opening ceremony marked the official start of a 22-match tournament running from January 10 to February 15, 2026. All matches will be played across two venues:
The opening match—Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Mumbai Indians—kicks off on January 10 at 7:30 PM IST. With both teams stacked with international stars like Ellyse Perry, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Deepti Sharma, it promises to be a blockbuster start.
Never miss a ball! Here’s how you can catch every moment of the action:
Pro tip: Set a reminder on JioCinema—you can even watch team warm-ups and behind-the-scenes content 30 minutes before each match!
Gone are the days when women’s sports were treated as an afterthought. The scale and production value of the WPL 2026 opening ceremony reflect a strategic shift. According to the BCCI, WPL viewership grew by 68% in 2025 compared to its debut season—a number that rivals many men’s domestic leagues .
This visibility translates into real-world impact: better contracts for players, increased grassroots participation, and corporate sponsorships that empower the ecosystem. Events like this aren’t just flashy—they’re foundational to building a sustainable future for women in sport.
Beyond the glitz, the cricket itself promises to be fiercer than ever:
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The WPL 2026 opening ceremony wasn’t just a party—it was a declaration. With world-class production, A-list entertainment, and elite athletic talent on display, the Women’s Premier League has cemented its place as more than a tournament. It’s a movement. As the first ball is bowled tomorrow, one thing is certain: women’s cricket in India has never been brighter.
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