WPL 2026 Release List: The Women’s Premier League has witnessed unprecedented drama as all five franchises unveiled their release lists ahead of the November 27 mega auction. In a stunning turn of events, multiple World Cup 2025 champions find themselves back in the player pool, signaling a seismic shift in team strategies.
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The Biggest Surprises: Who Got the Axe?
The retention deadline brought jaw-dropping decisions that have sent shockwaves through the women’s cricket community. Just weeks after India’s triumphant World Cup campaign, several key players face uncertain futures, with franchises prioritizing youth and budget flexibility over established stars.
WPL 2026: Team-Wise Release Summary
| Franchise | Major Releases | Remaining Purse |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | Sophie Devine, Renuka Thakur, Danni Wyatt | Moderate |
| Gujarat Giants | Laura Wolvaardt, Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield | ₹9 Cr |
| UP Warriorz | Deepti Sharma (c), Sophie Ecclestone, Tahlia McGrath | ₹14.5 Cr |
| Mumbai Indians | Amelia Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Pooja Vastrakar | Limited |
| Delhi Capitals | Meg Lanning (c), Alice Capsey, Radha Yadav | Moderate |
RCB’s Calculated Gamble
The defending champions made waves by releasing New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine and India’s pace spearhead Renuka Thakur. The franchise chose to back injured off-spinner Shreyanka Patil instead—a decision that speaks volumes about their long-term vision. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, such strategic choices reflect the evolving dynamics of franchise cricket.
RCB’s complete release list includes 14 players, ranging from international stars like Georgia Wareham and Kate Cross to domestic talents seeking fresh opportunities.
UP Warriorz Drop the World Cup MVP
Perhaps the most controversial decision came from UP Warriorz, who released Deepti Sharma—the Player of the Match in the World Cup final. With only Shweta Sehrawat retained, the franchise has positioned itself as the biggest spender at the auction with a ₹14.5 crore purse. Industry insiders suggest Deepti might have requested release to test her market value, potentially becoming one of the highest-paid players in WPL history.
Gujarat Giants’ Bold Reset
Gujarat Giants retained only two players—Australian stars Ash Gardner and Beth Mooney—while releasing 16 others, including South African captain Laura Wolvaardt and Indian batter Harleen Deol. This aggressive rebuild leaves them with limited funds but maximum flexibility to construct an entirely new squad philosophy.
Mumbai & Delhi’s Contrasting Approaches
Mumbai Indians played it safe, retaining their core of Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Hayley Matthews, though releasing Kiwi all-rounder Amelia Kerr raised eyebrows. Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, bid farewell to retired legend Meg Lanning, signaling a leadership transition that will shape their tournament strategy for years to come.
What This Means for the Auction
The November 27 auction in Mumbai promises fireworks, with over 80 quality players available and franchises holding varying purse sizes. Expect bidding wars for World Cup heroes like Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and Renuka Thakur, while uncapped Indian talents could emerge as dark horses.
For esports and traditional sports enthusiasts tracking league dynamics, this auction represents a fascinating case study in roster economics, player valuation, and strategic team building.
The stakes couldn’t be higher—careers will be redefined, legacies cemented, and the WPL landscape permanently altered when the hammer falls on November 27.
