The Women’s Premier League 2026 auction brought a seismic shift in the tournament’s commercial and competitive dynamics. Held in Delhi, the mega event drew attention for its record-breaking deals, dramatic right-to-match (RTM) battles, and the shocking absence of some marquee names from team sheets.
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma stole the spotlight, becoming the joint second-most expensive player in WPL history. She returned to UP Warriorz for ₹3.2 crore (approx. US$ 358k) after the franchise used their RTM option to counter a late bid from Delhi Capitals. The move marked a ₹60 lakh (approx. US$ 67.1k) increase from her previous deal and underscored her dominant run at the recent ODI World Cup, where she was crowned Player of the Tournament.
UP Warriorz reshape squad with strategic retentions and fresh firepower
UP Warriorz’s strategy going into the auction was clear: embrace change under new leadership, but also retain core strength. COO Kshemal Waingankar said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, “We had a new coach at the helm and we wanted to give him a clean slate based on his vision and we’ll build a squad together.” The franchise didn’t hesitate to reinvest in Deepti, and Waingankar confirmed, “We had no doubt that we’d bring Deepti back and we’re very delighted to bring her back.”
The franchise outmanoeuvred Delhi Capitals to retain Sophie Ecclestone using their RTM card, securing the English all-rounder for ₹85 lakh (approx. US$ 95.1k) — a key tactical move to hold on to one of the league’s most effective bowlers. Their auction approach also included signing Australian captain Meg Lanning for ₹1.9 crore (approx. US$ 212.5k). “To add to that, we’ve also been able to bring Sophie back and bring Meg Lanning in as well,” Waingankar noted, adding, “So far it’s played out well.”
While Deepti is likely to remain a central figure in the squad, the leadership mantle isn’t set in stone. “We will discuss that [the captaincy]. It’s too early to say,” Waingankar said. He added, “Will depend on how the squad comes through. We’ll have to have a conversation with Deepti, and understand the dynamics with the leadership.” On the matter being unresolved, he admitted, “We haven’t thought that through.”
Amelia Kerr leads overseas signings as MI double down on core strength
Mumbai Indians made their presence felt by securing New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr for ₹3 crore (approx. US$ 335.6k), making her the highest-paid overseas player of the auction. MI coach Lisa Keightley was bullish on maintaining continuity. “We were really excited to have the same core back,” she said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Keightley added, “We’ve got world-class players in there who can win matches and games of cricket which is most important.” Reflecting on the value of consistency, she said, “Sometimes you can underestimate having the same core back,” and emphasized, “I’ve seen in a lot of franchises that being consistent with a group can give you advantages since you don’t start a tournament with so many moving parts.”
On Kerr’s price tag, Keightley explained the team’s strategic limit: “As for how much we’d have gone for Amelia, we were pretty much on the limit, most people would’ve known that.” But the team was confident in their call: “She’s worth the money and we’re excited to have her back.”
Delhi Capitals build for leadership and youth, clarify Wolvaardt’s role
Delhi Capitals made a strong bid for South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, acquiring her for ₹1.1 crore (approx. US$ 123k). While her profile as the World Cup’s highest run-scorer generated buzz about potential captaincy, DC co-owner Parth Jindal provided clarity. “I think in Laura we’ve got a tremendous player who can fill in those (Lanning’s) shoes,” he said to ESPNcricinfo. “Not only was she the highest run-scorer in the recent World Cup, but she’s also someone who’s got leadership ability as well.”
However, Jindal dismissed captaincy rumours: “No, no, not at all [whether Wolvaardt will be captain].” DC appears set on domestic leadership. “I think we are very clear that we would like to have an Indian as the captain.” Keeping options open, he added, “So depending on who else we land, we already have our mind made up, but let’s see what happens.” Reiterating his stance, he said, “But yeah, Laura will add a lot of leadership into the dressing room, but we are clear that we want to go with an Indian captain.”
Alyssa Healy’s unsold status shocks coaches across teams
Among the most startling developments was Australian star Alyssa Healy going unsold, despite her credentials and recent ODI World Cup form. Abhishek Nayar, head coach of UP Warriorz, said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, “Alyssa Healy going unsold was surprising for different reasons.” But he pointed to strategic constraints: “When you’re allowed only four overseas players [in the XI], your options are limited, and many teams prefer allrounders in their set-up.” Expressing empathy, Nayar added, “It’s a tough situation for someone of her stature.”
RCB’s assistant coach Anya Shrubsole explained her team’s position. “We have a very strong top order, and Georgia Voll gives us some offspin as well,” she said. “With Richa Ghosh [as a wicketkeeper-batter] in the top five, going for Healy didn’t make sense for us.”
Big buys, youth bets, and key omissions define auction day
Beyond Deepti and Kerr, the day saw several high-value acquisitions. Shikha Pandey was a surprise standout, fetching ₹2.4 crore (approx. US$ 268.5k) from UPW despite not playing for India since 2023. Gujarat Giants opened the auction by securing Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore (approx. US$ 223.7k). They also added Renuka Singh for ₹60 lakh (approx. US$ 67.1k), while UPW acquired Phoebe Litchfield for ₹1.2 crore (approx. US$ 134.2k) and used their final RTM card on pacer Kranti Gaud for ₹50 lakh (approx. US$ 56k).
Delhi Capitals landed 16-year-old Deeya Yadav — a hard-hitting top-order talent — for ₹10 lakh (approx. US$ 11.2k), and outbid UPW for promising spinner Sree Charani at ₹1.3 crore (approx. US$ 145.4k).
Royal Challengers Bengaluru made their first successful bid in the second set, picking up Georgia Voll for ₹60 lakh (approx. US$ 67.1k). UP Warriorz used their RTM card to bring back Kiran Navgire for the same amount — ₹60 lakh (approx. US$ 67.1k) — and also added Shipra Giri as their lone wicketkeeping option for ₹10 lakh (approx. US$ 11.2k).
Elsewhere, Gujarat Giants added Yastika Bhatia for ₹50 lakh (approx. US$ 56k), while Delhi Capitals secured a wicketkeeping duo by buying Lizelle Lee and Taniya Bhatia for a combined ₹60 lakh (approx. US$ 67.1k). Although Smriti Mandhana (₹3.4 crore / approx. US$ 380.3k) still holds the all-time WPL auction record, she, along with 2023 top buys Ashleigh Gardner and Nat Sciver-Brunt (both ₹3.2 crore / approx. US$ 358k), was not part of the 2026 auction pool.
Meanwhile, several marquee overseas names went unsold, including Heather Knight, Alice Capsey, Alana King, Amanda Jade-Wellington, Darcie Brown, and Chamari Athapaththu.
WPL 2026 kicks off in January amid rising expectations
The 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League will run from January 9 to February 5 across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. With strong domestic talent, renewed overseas firepower, and evolving team strategies, the upcoming season is shaping up to be the most competitive yet — setting the stage for a high-stakes battle both on and off the field.
