MPL 2026 kicks off June 3 in Indore: 10 men's, 5 women's teams set
Synopsis
MPL 2026 is the league's biggest edition yet — 10 men's franchises, five women's teams, and a packed schedule running from 3 to 26 June in Indore. Three new men's sides and two new women's franchises join the fold, signalling a serious push to deepen Madhya Pradesh's domestic cricket pipeline ahead of the next BCCI talent cycle.
Key Takeaways
MPL 2026 begins on 3 June 2026 at Holkar Stadium, Indore , with Gwalior Cheetahs vs Ujjain Falcons in the men's opener.
The women's competition starts on 4 June at Daly College, Indore , with Chambal Ghariyals vs Gwalior Shernis .
The men's field expands to 10 teams , adding Malwa Stallions , Ujjain Falcons , and Royal Nimar Eagles to the existing seven.
The women's tournament grows to 5 franchises , with Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles as new entrants.
Men's semi-finals are on 25 June and the grand final on 26 June at Holkar Stadium; women's final is on 13 June .
The Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) 2026 is set to get underway on 3 June 2026 in Indore, with an expanded edition featuring 10 men's franchises and five women's teams competing across multiple venues. The tournament opener will see Gwalior Cheetahs face Ujjain Falcons at the iconic Holkar Stadium, marking the start of what organisers have described as the league's most ambitious season to date.
Opening Fixtures and Schedule
The men's competition begins on 3 June with the Gwalior Cheetahs versus Ujjain Falcons clash at Holkar Stadium. The women's tournament follows a day later, on 4 June, with Chambal Ghariyals taking on Gwalior Shernis at Daly College in Indore.
From 4 June onwards, the men's league stage will feature double-headers and triple-headers, with Malwa Stallions facing Chambal Ghariyals and Bhopal Leopards clashing with Indore Pink Panthers at Holkar Stadium on the same day. The men's league stage runs through 24 June, with both semi-finals scheduled for 25 June at Holkar Stadium. The men's final is set for 26 June at the same venue.
Women's Competition Format
The women's tournament follows a format in which the table-topper earns a direct berth in the final. The Eliminator — contested between the next-best sides — is scheduled for 12 June, with the women's final to be played on 13 June at Holkar Stadium.
New Franchises and Expanded Rosters
Three new franchises join the men's draw for 2026: Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles. They line up alongside returning sides — defending champions Bhopal Leopards, Bundelkhand Bulls, Chambal Ghariyals, Gwalior Cheetahs, Indore Pink Panthers, Jabalpur Royal Lions, and Rewa Jaguars.
On the women's side, Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles are the two new additions, joining Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls, and Chambal Ghariyals in the five-team field.
What Organisers Said
Former MPL chairman Mahanaaryaman Scindia said, 'We are delighted to announce the schedule for the upcoming season of the Madhya Pradesh League. With more teams, more matches, and the inclusion of an expanded women's competition, this season promises to be bigger and more competitive than ever before.'
Scindia added that the league 'continues to provide a strong platform for emerging cricketers from across Madhya Pradesh,' and expressed confidence in high-quality cricket and strong fan turnout throughout the tournament.
Significance for Madhya Pradesh Cricket
MPL 2026 represents a meaningful structural step for domestic cricket in the state. The expansion to 10 men's teams and a five-franchise women's competition signals a deliberate push to widen the talent pipeline beyond established centres. Notably, the addition of regional franchises such as Malwa Stallions and Royal Nimar Eagles brings in districts that have historically had limited exposure to franchise-format cricket. With Holkar Stadium and Daly College both hosting matches, the tournament also spreads its footprint across Indore's cricketing infrastructure. All eyes will be on whether the expanded format translates into meaningful opportunities for uncapped players from the state.
Point of View
But the more significant development is the women's competition finally getting a structured, five-franchise format with its own final at Holkar Stadium. Madhya Pradesh has historically punched below its weight in producing BCCI-contract-level talent relative to its population; whether franchise cricket at this scale actually accelerates that pipeline depends entirely on scouting rigour and playing time for uncapped players. The addition of regional franchises from Malwa and Nimar is a step in the right direction, but the real test is whether the league's schedule and broadcast reach are sufficient to attract serious talent away from Ranji-focused pathways.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does MPL 2026 start and where?
MPL 2026 begins on 3 June 2026 at Holkar Stadium in Indore, with Gwalior Cheetahs taking on Ujjain Falcons in the men's opening match. The women's tournament starts the following day, 4 June, at Daly College in Indore.
Which teams are new in MPL 2026?
Three new franchises join the men's draw — Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles — taking the men's field to 10 teams. On the women's side, Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles are the two new additions, expanding that competition to five franchises.
What is the format of the MPL 2026 women's competition?
The women's tournament uses a format where the team finishing top of the points table qualifies directly for the final. The Eliminator between the next-best sides is scheduled for 12 June, with the final on 13 June at Holkar Stadium in Indore.
When is the MPL 2026 men's final?
The men's grand final is scheduled for 26 June 2026 at Holkar Stadium in Indore. Both semi-finals will be played on 25 June at the same venue, following a league stage that runs from 3 to 24 June.
Who are the defending champions in MPL 2026?
Bhopal Leopards are the defending champions in the men's competition and return as one of the 10 franchises for the 2026 season.
