Indian women’s cricket is entering one of its most layered and consequential domestic seasons in recent memory.
From the glamour and intensity of franchise cricket to the grind of zonal and red-ball competitions, the 2025–26 domestic calendar has been structured to test depth, reward consistency, and prepare players for the demands of international cricket across formats. As the national team landscape evolves and the talent pool continues to widen, the coming months will play a decisive role in identifying the next generation of Indian cricketers. Here is a clear look at what is currently unfolding and what lies ahead in the domestic season.
The Centrepiece: Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026
The biggest talking point right now is WPL 2026, which began on January 9 and marks the fourth edition of the league. Notably, the tournament has shifted from its traditional February window to January, a move that allows it to integrate more seamlessly into the broader domestic and international calendar.
The WPL continues to be the most visible platform for domestic players to measure themselves against the world’s best. The 2026 edition is being staged across two hubs: the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, which is hosting the opening phase, and the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, set to stage the playoffs and the final on February 5.
MI vs DC, WPL 2026 Preview: Old Rivalry, New Leadership, Same High Stakes
Beyond results and points tables, the WPL’s real value lies in opportunity. Domestic players are no longer just squad fillers; they are being entrusted with responsibility in pressure situations. This season, names like Kranti Goud and Shree Charani have emerged as players to watch cricketers who could use the WPL as a springboard into sustained senior domestic and international relevance.
The Foundation Years: U15 and U19 Competitions
While the spotlight remains firmly on the WPL, the long-term health of Indian women’s cricket depends on what happens away from prime-time television—particularly in the age-group circuit. The Women’s Under-15 One Day Trophy, which began on January 2, is currently underway. League-stage matches across centres such as Nagpur, Kolkata, and Indore are nearing completion, with the knockout rounds scheduled to be held in Puducherry from January 14 to January 21.
This tournament is often the first exposure young players have to structured, multi-venue competition and serves as the entry point into the BCCI pathway.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Under-19 One Day Trophy has recently concluded its Elite and Plate group stages, wrapping up on January 1. The competition has once again underlined the growing technical and tactical awareness at junior levels. Several standout performers from this cycle are expected to transition into senior domestic squads over the next season or two, reinforcing the depth India now enjoys at the grassroots.
The Backbone of Selection: Senior Domestic Cricket
Once the WPL concludes, attention will shift decisively back to the traditional domestic structure that remains central to national selection.
The Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, scheduled from February 6 to February 28, is the premier 50-over competition in the country. State teams will compete across Elite and Plate divisions, with Elite group matches spread across Rajkot, Baroda, and Ranchi. The knockout stages, where selection debates often intensify, will be hosted in Punjab.
This tournament remains a crucial barometer for consistency. Unlike the WPL, which rewards impact in short windows, the One Day Trophy tests adaptability across conditions, opposition, and match situations qualities that selectors continue to value highly.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Immediately following the state-level competition is the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal One Day Trophy, to be held from March 5 to March 15 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). Here, the best performers from state teams are grouped into zonal sides—North, South, East, West, Central, and North-East.
Zonal cricket has historically served as the final filter before national selection. With limited slots and high competition, this format demands adaptability and team awareness, as players must quickly adjust to new combinations and roles.
One of the most encouraging developments in the calendar is the return of the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy, scheduled from March 20 to April 3 in Puducherry. As India prepares for more overseas Test cricket—including a historic Test at Lord’s later in the yearthis tournament assumes critical importance.
Red-ball domestic cricket is not just about endurance; it is about developing technique, temperament, and tactical patience. For batters, it tests shot selection and concentration. For bowlers, it rewards discipline and long-term planning. In a system that has traditionally leaned heavily towards white-ball formats, the revival of multi-day competition is a necessary and welcome step.
A Season That Shapes the Future
Taken together, the 2026 domestic calendar reflects a more intentional approach to women’s cricket in India. The WPL provides visibility and pressure experience, age-group tournaments secure the future, and the senior domestic structure ensures continuity and fairness in selection.
As the season unfolds, performances across these layers will quietly shape India’s squads for the years ahead—often away from the spotlight, but with long-term consequences for the national team.
