The third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicked off with a breathtaking explosion of colour, rhythm, and star power on the evening of January 9, 2026. The iconic DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai transformed into a theatre of dreams as Bollywood royalty and musical icons descended upon the turf to celebrate the world’s premier women’s T20 tournament. Before the heavyweights of Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) took center stage for the inaugural clash, three global icons—Jacqueline Fernandez, Yo Yo Honey Singh, and Harnaaz Sandhu—delivered performances that set a high bar for the season ahead.
The ceremony opened with the high-octane energy of Jacqueline Fernandez. Dressed in a shimmering, athletic-inspired couture outfit, the actress proved once again why she is the industry’s favourite performer. Jacqueline Fernandez led a troupe of over 100 dancers through a medley of her greatest hits, including a remixed version of Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan and her latest 2025 chart-busters.
Her performance utilized the entire expanse of the outfield, featuring state-of-the-art projection mapping that turned the grass into a digital canvas. Jacqueline’s segment emphasized the theme of “Women in Power,” perfectly aligning with the spirit of the WPL. Her infectious energy resonated with the 45,000-strong crowd, ensuring the atmosphere was electric long before the first ball was bowled.
Following the Bollywood glamour, the stadium decibel levels reached a fever pitch as the “King of Desi Hip-Hop,” Yo Yo Honey Singh, made a grand entrance. Arriving on a custom-designed chariot, Honey Singh delivered a high-decibel performance that blended nostalgia with modern rap.
He performed a special WPL anthem composed specifically for the 2026 season, titled ‘Sherniyan’, which celebrates the grit and grace of female cricketers. The crowd sang along as he transitioned into his classic hits, bridging the gap between sports and music. Honey Singh’s presence added a “mass” appeal to the ceremony, proving that the WPL has successfully transcended beyond just a sporting event into a major cultural phenomenon.
Adding a touch of global elegance to the night was Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu. In a segment titled “The Walk of Champions,” Harnaaz led a parade of young female cricketers from local Mumbai academies. Her appearance was not just a performance but a statement of aspiration.
Walking with the poise that won her the crown, Harnaaz delivered a short, stirring speech about the importance of female representation in every field. Her participation underscored the WPL’s mission: to inspire the next generation of girls to “bleed blue” and take up the willow.
“To see these athletes today is to see the future of India,” Harnaaz remarked during the broadcast. “WPL isn’t just a league; it’s a movement, and I am honoured to be a small part of this grand beginning.”
As the smoke from the fireworks cleared, the focus shifted to the reason for the celebration: the cricket. The opening match featured a “Clash of the Titans” between the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, and the fan-favourite Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The rivalry between MI’s Harmanpreet Kaur and RCB’s Smriti Mandhana provided the perfect competitive backdrop to the evening’s festivities. The DY Patil Stadium, a fortress for the Mumbai Indians, saw a sea of blue and gold, though the significant RCB contingent made their presence felt with thunderous chants.
The inclusion of diverse performers—a Bollywood star, a rap icon, and a global beauty queen—ensured that the WPL reached audiences beyond traditional cricket fans. This “eventization” of the league is a strategic move by the BCCI to solidify WPL as the most-watched women’s sports league in the world.
With the stage set and the stars having performed their part, the 2026 WPL season promises to be a month-long celebration of world-class cricket. If the opening ceremony is any indication, this year will break all previous records for viewership and engagement.
