WPL 2027 second phase may move from Brabourne to Wankhede
The BCCI is reviewing a venue switch for the Women's Premier League 2027 knockout games in Mumbai.
Reports say the WPL 2027 Eliminator and final could shift from Brabourne Stadium to Wankhede Stadium. Vadodara hosts the first 11 matches from January 14 to January 24, 2027, before the league stage moves to Mumbai from January 26.
Key takeaways
- BCCI is weighing a move of the WPL 2027 Eliminator and final from Brabourne to Wankhede
- ICC Women's Champions Trophy runs from February 14 to February 28 in 2027
- ICC rules require a 15-day venue gap before a major tournament
- WPL 2027 league stage ends on February 3, with the Eliminator on February 5 and final on February 7
- Wankhede has not hosted WPL matches before, according to reports
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is weighing a venue change for the Women's Premier League 2027 knockout stage, with Wankhede Stadium emerging as a likely alternative to Brabourne Stadium for both the Eliminator and the final in Mumbai. No official reason for the proposed switch has been disclosed, and Brabourne remains the formally scheduled venue for those fixtures as planning continues.
What we know
The fifth WPL edition will be divided between two cities across its 22 matches. Vadodara International Cricket Stadium takes the first half of the tournament, staging 11 games from January 14 to January 24, 2027, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Mumbai Indians in the opening fixture.
From January 26, Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai picks up the remaining league matches, and it is the knockout assignments beyond that point that are now under review, as reported by Indian Express.
League action at Brabourne is set to run through to February 3, after which attention turns to the knockout phase. The Eliminator, which pits the second and third-placed sides against each other, falls on February 5, and the final follows on February 7.
The team finishing top of the standings at the close of the league stage earns a direct berth in the February 7 decider, skipping the Eliminator entirely. Should the BCCI confirm the shift, Wankhede Stadium would host both knockout fixtures instead of Brabourne.
The ground, which opened in 1974, has long functioned as Mumbai Indians' home venue in the WPL.
Why it matters
Discussions are underway due to the upcoming ICC Women's Champions Trophy. ICC regulations mandate a 15-day gap for any venue hosting a major tournament.
With the Champions Trophy scheduled from February 14 to 28, and the WPL's latter stages, including the final, potentially clashing with this window at Brabourne, a shift becomes necessary.
The inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy, featuring six teams including host India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, will utilize both the CCI in Mumbai and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium.
The ICC typically takes over venues approximately three weeks before a global event, maintaining exclusive control. This move would mark the first time Wankhede Stadium hosts WPL matches.
Separately, Vadodara International Cricket Stadium is also set to host the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy in 2027, a six-team T20I event running from February 14 to February 28.
The Cricket Club of India's involvement in that tournament is limited to its ownership of Brabourne; all Women's Champions Trophy matches are scheduled for Vadodara, not Mumbai.
What happens next
The WPL committee is discussing the issue, and once discussions are over, an official word is expected to arrive soon.
By the numbers
Brabourne Stadium, owned by the Cricket Club of India since the ground was established in 1937, served as the venue for the entire Mumbai leg of the 2025 WPL, covering both the Eliminator and the final. Mumbai Indians claimed that final by eight runs against Delhi Capitals, and notably both the 2025 Eliminator and the final were decided in favour of the side that batted first.
WPL 2027 schedule and venues
Phase | Dates | Venue | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
First half | January 14 to January 24, 2027 | Vadodara International Cricket Stadium | 11 |
Second half league | January 26 to February 3, 2027 | Brabourne Stadium | 11 |
Eliminator | February 5, 2027 | Brabourne (under review) | 1 |
Final | February 7, 2027 | Brabourne (under review) | 1 |
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