Delhi to host WPL auction as BCCI narrows dates to late November
After three seasons of rising viewership, star power, and competitive balance, the Women’s Premier League is preparing for its most consequential auction yet — a reshaping moment for all five franchises ahead of the 2026 season. The mega auction is likely to be held in New Delhi between November 26 and 27. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to formally confirm the venue to the franchises, Cricbuzz reports that the teams have all been told informally about the proposed schedule and location.
Previously, the BCCI had floated a broader window between November 26 and 29, but internal communication has now narrowed the auction to a more specific two-day window. Despite the event being dubbed a “mega auction,” it is expected to conclude in a single day due to the relatively small pool of five teams and an 18-player squad cap per franchise.
Retention rules: capped, uncapped, and overseas player limits
Franchises have until November 5 to submit their list of retained players. Each team is allowed a maximum of five retentions, which may include up to three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players — although the total number cannot exceed five.
The BCCI has assigned guideline values for these retentions, which will be deducted from each team’s INR 15 crore (approx. US$ 1.7 million) auction purse:
- Retention 1: INR 3.5 crore (approx. US$ 399.1k)
- Retention 2: INR 2.5 crore (approx. US$ 285.1k)
- Retention 3: INR 1.75 crore (approx. US$ 199.5k)
- Retention 4: INR 1 crore (approx. US$ 114.03k)
- Retention 5: INR 50 lakh (approx. US$ 57.01k)
While the amounts deducted are fixed for salary cap purposes, BCCI has clarified that actual player payments can vary.
“While the amount paid to an individual player may differ from guideline price, the total amount based on the number of players retained will be used for salary cap calculation,”
— Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in a note to franchises
The same retention scale applies to uncapped players, who may also be retained for INR 50 lakh (approx. US$ 57.01k) each — with a limit of two per franchise.
RTM rules add new dimension to player strategy
For the first time in WPL history, the Right to Match (RTM) option will be available to teams — offering franchises the ability to reclaim previously released players by matching the highest bid made for them at auction.
However, RTM flexibility is tied to the number of retentions. Each retention reduces RTM slots by one, meaning teams that retain all five players will not have any RTM options. Conversely, a team that enters the auction with no retentions will have five RTM cards at its disposal.
This introduces a strategic dilemma for franchises: retain top talent now or take the risk of letting them go and attempting to buy them back in the auction using RTM.
Defending champions Mumbai Indians face tough retention calls
Two-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), winners in both 2023 and 2025, enter the auction cycle with a stacked roster but limited flexibility. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is an obvious retention, as are overseas all-rounders Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews, who lead the league in runs and wickets respectively.
The cap on overseas retentions means Amelia Kerr may go back into the auction pool. Among Indian options, Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia, and Saika Ishaque are all strong contenders.
RCB, Delhi Capitals, and others prepare for reset
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), despite lifting the title in 2024, face important decisions. Captain Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and Richa Ghosh headline their expected retention list, while Sneh Rana and either Georgia Wareham or Renuka Singh Thakur could round it out.
Delhi Capitals, runners-up in all three seasons, are expected to stick with Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, and Marizanne Kapp, while Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey or Arundhati Reddy could complete their five.
UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants, both seeking course correction after inconsistent campaigns, have difficult choices. Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and potentially Alyssa Healy lead UP’s retention options, while Gujarat are likely to build around Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, and a mix of emerging Indian talent.
With the November 5 retention deadline fast approaching, and the auction tentatively locked in for the November 26–27 window in New Delhi, franchises are now finalizing strategy for a WPL cycle that promises new competition dynamics and a fresh opportunity for roster shake-ups.
