The player draft has wrapped up, and Madhya Pradesh’s women’s cricket scene just got a lot more interesting.

With the league expanding from three teams to five, the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026 teams bring together familiar faces, national stars, and plenty of fresh prospects.

Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026 Teams

Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026 Teams

If you’re looking for the complete squads and what they mean for the season ahead, this guide lays it all out simply and clearly.

Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026 Teams: The Big Picture

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association runs this franchise T20 competition to create meaningful opportunities for women across the state.

It sits between local cricket and higher-level domestic tournaments, helping players gain exposure and competitive experience.

The jump to five teams this year means more games, broader talent scouting, and stronger representation from different parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Essential Details

  • Second edition overall
  • Five franchises
  • Draft held April 30, 2026, in Gwalior
  • Chambal Ghariyals enter as defending champions from 2025

The two new sides — Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles — add extra flavour and local pride.

2025 Season in Brief

Last year’s tournament, though limited, set clear benchmarks.

Chambal Ghariyals won both matches and took the title without dropping a game.

Bundelkhand Bulls managed one win to finish as runners-up.

Bhopal Wolves went through the campaign without a victory, which has likely sharpened their focus for this expanded season.

That history gives context to how the current squads were built.

New Teams Bringing Fresh Energy

Gwalior Shernis will lean on home support in the city that hosted the draft.

They represent a region rich in history and are expected to draw strong local crowds.

Royal Nimar Eagles pull talent from the Nimar belt, an area tied closely to Indore’s established cricket ecosystem.

Their inclusion spreads opportunities wider and gives more young players a visible platform.

The Icon Players Setting the Tone

Franchises selected experienced hands as icons to provide stability and leadership:

  • 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 names will carry much of the early responsibility while helping develop those around them.

Complete Breakdown of Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026 Squads

Here is every confirmed roster from the draft, along with quick notes on each team’s makeup.

Gwalior Shernis (13 players)

As debutants, they carry hometown expectations. Three icon players give them a solid core of experience mixed with younger talent.

Full List

  1. Nuzhat Parween (Icon)
  2. Jiya Jethwa
  3. Soumya Tiwari (Icon)
  4. Tanvi Upadhyay
  5. Kranti Gaud (Icon)
  6. Ishana Swami
  7. Khushi Yadav
  8. Riya Yadav
  9. Anaadi Tagde
  10. Unnati Bagora
  11. Aashna Patidar
  12. Sakshi Pachor
  13. Shreya Dixit

The balance looks promising, especially with local knowledge on their side.

Bundelkhand Bulls (15 players)

Runners-up last season, they return with the biggest roster and clear ambition. Shuchi Upadhyay remains the central figure in a group that mixes proven domestic performers with emerging names.

Full List

  1. Anushka Sharma
  2. Mahi Thakur
  3. Muskan Biswas
  4. Honey Yadav
  5. Dakshita Yadav
  6. Yashashwini B
  7. Maya Marskole
  8. Khayti Jain
  9. Shuchi Upadhyay (Icon)
  10. Disha Sharma
  11. Ananya Dubey
  12. Payal Balmik
  13. Suhani Sharma
  14. Vaidehi Rajput
  15. Suditi Vashistha

The extra squad depth should allow tactical flexibility throughout the tournament.

Bhopal Wolves (15 players)

After a winless 2025, the Wolves have reshaped their 15-player squad around Aayushi Shukla. Emphasis appears to be on strengthening the top order and building spin resources suited to typical Madhya Pradesh conditions.

Full List

  1. Sanskriti Gupta
  2. Tamanna C
  3. Hanshikha Kirar
  4. Vaishnavi Vyas
  5. Anjali Patidar
  6. Rishita Parihar
  7. Saanvi Bhawsar
  8. Janhvi Rajput
  9. Aayushi Shukla (Icon)
  10. Reena Yadav
  11. Priyanka Koushal
  12. Anshula Rao
  13. Roshani Kumari
  14. Vanshika P
  15. Kajal

Motivation will be high as they aim to rewrite last season’s script.

Chambal Ghariyals (15 players)

The title holders come back stacked. India regular Pooja Vastrakar headlines a powerful group that also includes Rahila Firdous as co-icon. With a full 15-player roster, they have options in every department.

Full List

  1. Jincy George
  2. Dhani Buchade
  3. Aditi Panwar
  4. Vaishnavi Singh
  5. Avni Tater
  6. Purvi Khanaa
  7. Aditi Tiwari
  8. Somiya Ali Ans
  9. Pooja Vastrakar (Icon)
  10. Rachna Yadav
  11. Rahila Firdous (Icon)
  12. Khyati Shukla
  13. Kanishka Thakur
  14. Siddhi Dubey
  15. Anamika Raghuwanshi

Pooja Vastrakar stands out as the highest-profile player in the league. Her all-round contributions at the domestic level — pace bowling and middle-order batting — give Chambal a noticeable advantage in tight matches.

Royal Nimar Eagles (13 players)

The second new franchise has built a tighter but focused 13-player unit around Nikita Singh and Vaishnavi Sharma. They bring debut freshness that often produces unexpected results in new leagues.

Full List

  1. Nikita Singh (Icon)
  2. Vaishnavi Sharma (Icon)
  3. Dipti Singh
  4. Muskan Yogi
  5. Soniya Singh
  6. Khushi Yadav
  7. Yamini Billore
  8. Kalyani Jadhav
  9. Janvi Rai
  10. Lakshita Mahe
  11. Tanishka Sen
  12. Harshita Singh
  13. Rishika Jain

Success here may hinge on how well the two icons gel with the supporting cast early on.

Squad Overview at a Glance

Team Players Icons 2025 Result
Gwalior Shernis 13 Nuzhat Parween, Kranti Gaud, Soumya Tiwari New entry
Bundelkhand Bulls 15 Shuchi Upadhyay Runners-up
Bhopal Wolves 15 Aayushi Shukla Winless
Chambal Ghariyals 15 Pooja Vastrakar, Rahila Firdous Champions
Royal Nimar Eagles 13 Nikita Singh, Vaishnavi Sharma New entry

Standout Talents to Follow

Pooja Vastrakar remains the biggest name and a genuine match-changer. Nuzhat Parween’s experience behind the stumps and with the bat will be vital for Gwalior.

Shuchi Upadhyay anchors Bundelkhand’s hopes, Aayushi Shukla carries Bhopal’s redemption drive, and the duo of Nikita Singh and Vaishnavi Sharma will define the Eagles’ identity.

How does this league support the Wider Game?

Tournaments like the MPWL help identify talent that might otherwise stay hidden in central India.

They offer high-pressure franchise experience, create local heroes, and allow young players to share dressing rooms with national stars.

Over time, this strengthens the domestic pipeline and grows the sport at the grassroots level.

FAQs

  • Which teams are new to the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League in 2026?

Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles are making their debut this season.

  • Who are the defending champions and their key icons?

Chambal Ghariyals, led by icons Pooja Vastrakar and Rahila Firdous.

  • Where and when was the squad draft conducted?

The draft took place on April 30, 2026 in Gwalior.

  • Why do some teams have 13 players while others have 15?

The two new franchises field 13-player squads, while the three returning teams have 15 players each.

  • Which team has the most icon players?

Gwalior Shernis selected three icons: Nuzhat Parween, Kranti Gaud, and Soumya Tiwari.

  • Is this league important for women’s cricket development in India?

Yes. It provides competitive exposure, regional representation, and a pathway for selectors to spot talent from Madhya Pradesh.

Conclusion:

The Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2026 teams feel more competitive and geographically diverse than before.

Chambal Ghariyals start with the edge of defending champions and star power, yet the newcomers and motivated returnees could easily spring surprises.

This season offers a genuine window into the next wave of talent from Madhya Pradesh.

Follow the matches closely — some of these names could be playing for India in the years ahead.

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