MPL 2026 expands to 10 men's teams, women's field grows to five
Synopsis
The Madhya Pradesh Premier League is going bigger than ever in 2026 — five new franchises, two competitions expanded, and regions like Malwa, Nimar, and Gwalior finally getting their own teams. The women's draw doubling from three to five sides is the quietly significant move: it signals that MPL is no longer treating women's cricket as an afterthought.
Key Takeaways
MPL 2026 adds five new franchises across men's and women's competitions.
The men's tournament grows from seven to 10 teams , with Malwa Stallions , Ujjain Falcons , and Royal Nimar Eagles as new entrants.
The women's draw expands from three to five teams , adding Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles .
Defending men's champions Bhopal Leopards will face a larger and more competitive field this season.
Former MPL Chairman Mahanaaryaman Scindia called the expansion 'a very positive step' for talent discovery across Madhya Pradesh .
The Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL) 2026 is set for its most ambitious season yet, with five new franchises added across the men's and women's competitions ahead of the upcoming edition. The men's tournament grows from seven to 10 teams, while the women's draw expands from three to five, signalling a significant structural push for cricket development across the state.
New Teams in the Men's Draw
Three new sides — Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles — have been added to the men's roster for MPL 2026. They join defending champions Bhopal Leopards alongside Bundelkhand Bulls, Chambal Ghariyals, Gwalior Cheetahs, Indore Pink Panthers, Jabalpur Royal Lions, and Rawa Jaguars. The expanded field means teams representing Ujjain and Nimar will compete at the top level of the state league for the first time.
Women's Section Sees Major Growth
The women's competition has undergone equally significant expansion. Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles are the two new franchises joining the women's draw, bringing the total to five teams. They will compete alongside the existing Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls, and Chambal Ghariyals. The addition of a Gwalior-based franchise is being viewed as a meaningful step toward broadening women's cricket infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh.
What the Expansion Means for Talent Development
The move is widely seen as a platform boost for young cricketers from regions of the state that previously lacked franchise representation. With more teams comes more squad slots, more competitive matches, and — critically — more scouting visibility for players outside the established centres of Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur. The expansion is expected to sharpen the overall quality of competition by drawing in fresh talent pools from Malwa, Nimar, and Gwalior.
Scindia on the League's Direction
Former MPL Chairman Mahanaaryaman Scindia welcomed the development, saying: 'This is a very positive step for the growth of the competition. The addition of new teams in both the men's and women's tournaments will create more opportunities for players and help us discover fresh talent from different parts of Madhya Pradesh. We want the league to continue growing and becoming a strong platform for young cricketers. I wish all the teams the very best and hope fans enjoy an exciting season.'
What to Watch This Season
With Bhopal Leopards entering as defending champions and three new men's sides hungry to make an impression, the MPL 2026 men's competition promises a more unpredictable group stage than any previous edition. On the women's side, the two new franchises will be looking to upset the established order from their very first season. The league's continued expansion also raises the prospect of further growth in future editions as franchise interest in Madhya Pradesh cricket deepens.
Point of View
But the women's side tells the more important story. Going from three to five franchises in one cycle — and adding a Gwalior presence — suggests the league is beginning to treat women's cricket as a structural priority rather than a token addition. The real test will be whether squad sizes, match allocations, and broadcast attention follow the franchise count upward. Madhya Pradesh has historically produced strong domestic talent; a well-resourced expanded league could meaningfully accelerate that pipeline, provided the new franchises are backed with genuine cricketing infrastructure and not just branding.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams will compete in MPL 2026?
The men's tournament will feature 10 teams and the women's tournament will have five teams in MPL 2026. A total of five new franchises have been added across both competitions for this season.
Which are the new teams added to MPL 2026?
The three new men's franchises are Malwa Stallions , Ujjain Falcons , and Royal Nimar Eagles . The two new women's franchises are Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles .
Who are the defending champions in the MPL men's tournament?
Bhopal Leopards are the defending champions in the MPL men's tournament and will compete in the expanded 10-team field in the 2026 season.
Why is the MPL women's expansion significant?
The women's draw growing from three to five teams gives more players across Madhya Pradesh — particularly from Gwalior and Nimar — a competitive platform at the franchise level. It is being seen as a meaningful step toward building women's cricket infrastructure in the state.
What did former MPL Chairman Mahanaaryaman Scindia say about the expansion?
Mahanaaryaman Scindia called it 'a very positive step for the growth of the competition,' adding that the new teams would 'create more opportunities for players and help discover fresh talent from different parts of Madhya Pradesh.'
