Women’s cricket in central India is on the rise, and the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League is leading the charge.
After a promising first season, the 2026 edition has grown to five teams following the player draft held in Gwalior.
Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026 Teams
Whether you’re tracking emerging players or rooting for your favourite region, knowing the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026 teams and their squads is the best way to get ready for the action.
Madhya Pradesh Women’s League: What You Need to Know?
The MPWL is a T20 franchise league run by the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association.
It gives talented women from across the state a proper platform to develop their skills, gain match experience, and catch the eye of national selectors.
The goal is simple: strengthen the domestic structure so more players from Madhya Pradesh can push for higher honours.
Key Facts at a Glance:
- Edition: 2nd (2026)
- Format: Franchise-based T20
- Number of Teams: 5
- Player Draft Date: April 30, 2026
- Draft Venue: Gwalior
- Previous Champions: Chambal Ghariyals (2025)
- New Teams in 2026: Gwalior Shernis, Royal Nimar Eagles
How the 2025 Season Played Out?
Last year’s inaugural campaign was short but revealing. Chambal Ghariyals went unbeaten and lifted the trophy.
Bundelkhand Bulls picked up one win to finish second, while Bhopal Wolves struggled and ended the season without a victory.
That result has clearly fired up the Wolves for a much stronger showing this time around.
The expansion to five teams adds depth and gives more local girls the chance to play competitive franchise cricket.
New Franchises Joining the Fold
Two fresh teams make their debut in 2026.
Gwalior Shernis will enjoy home support in the draft city, bringing pride to one of Madhya Pradesh’s most historic places.
Royal Nimar Eagles represent the Nimar region and tap into the strong cricket culture around Indore.
More teams mean more matches, bigger crowds, and greater opportunities for young talent.
Icon Players Leading Each Side
Every franchise selected key icon players during the draft to form the backbone of their squad:
- Gwalior Shernis: Nuzhat Parween, Kranti Gaud, Soumya Tiwari
- Bundelkhand Bulls: Shuchi Upadhyay
- Bhopal Wolves: Aayushi Shukla
- Chambal Ghariyals: Pooja Vastrakar, Rahila Firdous
- Royal Nimar Eagles: Nikita Singh, Vaishnavi Sharma
These experienced names will guide younger players through the pressure of franchise cricket.
Full Squads for Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026
Here’s a breakdown of every team’s roster, including strengths and what fans can expect.
Gwalior Shernis
As one of the new teams, the Shernis carry local expectations on their shoulders. With three icon players anchoring a 13-member squad, they blend know-how with fresh legs.
Full Squad:
- Nuzhat Parween (Icon)
- Jiya Jethwa
- Soumya Tiwari (Icon)
- Tanvi Upadhyay
- Kranti Gaud (Icon)
- Ishana Swami
- Khushi Yadav
- Riya Yadav
- Anaadi Tagde
- Unnati Bagora
- Aashna Patidar
- Sakshi Pachor
- Shreya Dixit
What stands out: Strong leadership from the icon trio, balanced batting and bowling, and the advantage of playing in front of Gwalior supporters.
Bundelkhand Bulls
Runners-up last season, the Bulls return with the biggest squad (15 players) and plenty of motivation to go one step further. Shuchi Upadhyay leads the group.
Full Squad:
- Anushka Sharma
- Mahi Thakur
- Muskan Biswas
- Honey Yadav
- Dakshita Yadav
- Yashashwini B
- Maya Marskole
- Khayti Jain
- Shuchi Upadhyay (Icon)
- Disha Sharma
- Ananya Dubey
- Payal Balmik
- Suhani Sharma
- Vaidehi Rajput
- Suditi Vashistha
What stands out: Depth across the roster, experienced leadership, and a mix of batters and all-rounders hungry to claim the title.
Bhopal Wolves
After a tough debut season, the Wolves have rebuilt with a 15-player squad centred on Aayushi Shukla. They’ve focused on strengthening their batting and adding spin options that should suit home conditions.
Full Squad:
- Sanskriti Gupta
- Tamanna C
- Hanshikha Kirar
- Vaishnavi Vyas
- Anjali Patidar
- Rishita Parihar
- Saanvi Bhawsar
- Janhvi Rajput
- Aayushi Shukla (Icon)
- Reena Yadav
- Priyanka Koushal
- Anshula Rao
- Roshani Kumari
- Vanshika P
- Kajal
What stands out: Massive desire to improve in 2025, a proven domestic performer in Shukla, and young players ready to step up.
Chambal Ghariyals
The defending champions arrive with a serious pedigree. Led by India international Pooja Vastrakar and Rahila Firdous, this 15-player squad has the quality and mindset to repeat their success.
Full Squad:
- Jincy George
- Dhani Buchade
- Aditi Panwar
- Vaishnavi Singh
- Avni Tater
- Purvi Khanaa
- Aditi Tiwari
- Somiya Ali Ans
- Pooja Vastrakar (Icon)
- Rachna Yadav
- Rahila Firdous (Icon)
- Khyati Shukla
- Kanishka Thakur
- Siddhi Dubey
- Anamika Raghuwanshi
Spotlight on Pooja Vastrakar: As a regular in the Indian team, Vastrakar’s all-round abilities – powerful batting and skilful medium-pace bowling – make her the standout name in the competition. Her presence raises the standard for everyone around her.
What stands out: Winning mentality, national-level experience, and tactical flexibility with a full-strength squad.
Royal Nimar Eagles
The other new franchise brings energy and two strong icons in Nikita Singh and Vaishnavi Sharma. Their compact 13-player group looks well-balanced on paper.
Full Squad:
- Nikita Singh (Icon)
- Vaishnavi Sharma (Icon)
- Dipti Singh
- Muskan Yogi
- Soniya Singh
- Khushi Yadav
- Yamini Billore
- Kalyani Jadhav
- Janvi Rai
- Lakshita Mahe
- Tanishka Sen
- Harshita Singh
- Rishika Jain
What stands out: Clear focus built around two reliable icons, debut-season motivation that often produces surprises, and solid regional representation.
Complete Squad Summary
| Team | Squad Size | Icon Player(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gwalior Shernis | 13 | Nuzhat Parween, Kranti Gaud, Soumya Tiwari | New Franchise |
| Bundelkhand Bulls | 15 | Shuchi Upadhyay | Returning (2nd in 2025) |
| Bhopal Wolves | 15 | Aayushi Shukla | Returning (winless in 2025) |
| Chambal Ghariyals | 15 | Pooja Vastrakar, Rahila Firdous | Defending Champions |
| Royal Nimar Eagles | 13 | Nikita Singh, Vaishnavi Sharma | New Franchise |
Players Ready to Shine in 2026
- Pooja Vastrakar (Chambal Ghariyals): Match-winner with bat and ball.
- Nuzhat Parween (Gwalior Shernis): Reliable keeper-batter and recognisable face in MP cricket.
- Shuchi Upadhyay (Bundelkhand Bulls): The experienced leader the Bulls rely on.
- Aayushi Shukla (Bhopal Wolves): Under pressure to deliver big performances.
- Nikita Singh (Royal Nimar Eagles): Expected to set the tone for the new franchise.
Why This League Matters for Women’s Cricket in India?
State leagues like MPWL help the BCCI’s efforts to grow the women’s game.
They create a clear pathway from local cricket to the national team, give players high-pressure experience, inspire girls in smaller regions, and increase visibility.
Seeing established stars like Vastrakar alongside teenagers creates powerful role models and builds a stronger talent pool from central India.
FAQs
- When was the player draft for the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026 held?
The draft took place on April 30, 2026, in Gwalior.
- Who won the inaugural Madhya Pradesh Women’s League in 2025?
Chambal Ghariyals remained unbeaten and took the title.
- How many teams are participating in MPWL 2026?
Five teams: the three original sides plus newcomers Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles.
- Who are the icon players for Chambal Ghariyals?
Pooja Vastrakar and Rahila Firdous.
- Which team has the largest squad in 2026?
Bundelkhand Bulls and Bhopal Wolves both have 15 players.
- Is Pooja Vastrakar playing in the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026?
Yes, she is an icon player for the defending champions Chambal Ghariyals.
Conclusion:
The Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026 teams look evenly matched and full of potential.
With defending champions, motivated runners-up, a hungry bottom side, and two exciting new franchises, the second season promises better cricket and more breakout performances.
Keep an eye on Pooja Vastrakar and the young talents ready to announce themselves. The future of women’s cricket in Madhya Pradesh is bright.
Final Verdict:
Love women’s cricket? Bookmark this page for quick reference during the tournament and check back for match previews, player performances, and more updates from the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026.
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