Who are the key players missing from WPL 2026?

Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, and Tara Norris are among the key players who will not be participating in WPL 2026.

When does the WPL 2026 season start?

The WPL 2026 season begins on Friday, January 08, 2026.

Which teams are playing in the opening match of WPL 2026?

The opening match of WPL 2026 will be between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Home / Sports / WPL 2026: Key Stars Out, New Season Begins

WPL 2026: Key Stars Out, New Season Begins

8 Jan

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Summary

WPL 2026 commences with a match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland withdrew from the WPL 2026 season for personal reasons.
Tara Norris is unavailable for UP Warriorz due to national team commitments for T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

WPL 2026: Key Stars Out, New Season Begins

The highly anticipated Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 is scheduled to commence on Friday, January 08, 2026, with an opening match between the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, and the former winner, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This fourth edition of the WPL will, however, be without several prominent players.

Notable absentees include Australian veteran Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland, both of whom have withdrawn from the season citing personal reasons. Perry, a key player for RCB, has opted out, while Sutherland, who played for Gujarat Giants and DC, will also not participate. UP Warriorz will be without Tara Norris, who is committed to the USA national team for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers.