The first-ever Women’s Premier League mega auction concluded in New Delhi on November 27, 2025, with all five franchises successfully building their squads for the upcoming WPL 2026 season. The historic auction witnessed 277 players going under the hammer, with 67 finding new homes across Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz.
The WPL 2026 mega auction marked a watershed moment for women’s cricket, as teams dismantled their previous rosters and rebuilt from scratch with limited retentions. Deepti Sharma emerged as the auction’s most expensive player at Rs 3.2 crore, while defending champions Mumbai Indians secured New Zealand star Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore to maintain their competitive edge.
Table of Contents
Tournament Schedule and Format
Before diving into the squads, the BCCI confirmed that the Women’s Premier League 2026 season will run from January 9 to February 5 across two venues. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host the opening match and first leg of fixtures, while Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara will stage the second leg and the final on February 5.
This marks the first time the WPL will be played in the January-February window, shifted from its traditional February-March slot to avoid clashing with the Men’s T20 World Cup beginning February 7, 2026, in India and Sri Lanka.
| Tournament Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | January 9, 2026 |
| Final Date | February 5, 2026 |
| Opening Venue | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai |
| Final Venue | Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara |
| Total Teams | 5 |
| Format | Round-robin + Playoffs |
Mumbai Indians: Defending Champions Retain Core
Mumbai Indians entered the WPL 2026 mega auction with five retentions and no RTM cards available, focusing on strategic additions to complement their championship-winning core. The franchise invested heavily in securing Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore, using 52% of their total purse to re-sign the Kiwi all-rounder who was instrumental in their title triumph.
Complete Mumbai Indians Squad (16 Players)
Retained Players:
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (Rs 3.5 crore)
- Harmanpreet Kaur – Captain (Rs 2.5 crore)
- Hayley Matthews (Rs 1.75 crore)
- Amanjot Kaur (Rs 1 crore)
- G Kamalini (Rs 50 lakh)
Players Bought at Auction:
- Amelia Kerr (Rs 3 crore) – New Zealand all-rounder
- Sajana Sajeevan (Rs 75 lakh) – Indian all-rounder
- Shabnim Ismail (Rs 60 lakh) – South African fast bowler
- Nicola Carey (Rs 30 lakh) – Australian all-rounder
- Saika Ishaque (Rs 30 lakh) – Indian left-arm spinner
- Sanskriti Gupta (Rs 20 lakh) – Indian batter
- Triveni Vasistha (Rs 20 lakh) – Indian bowler
- Milly Illingworth (Rs 10 lakh) – Australian fast bowler
- Rahila Firdous (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian wicketkeeper
- Nalla Reddy (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian bowler
- Prathyoosha Kumar (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian wicketkeeper
Purse Remaining: Rs 0
Analysis: Mumbai Indians have built a squad emphasizing continuity and all-round strength. With Sciver-Brunt, Matthews, and Kerr forming a formidable overseas trio alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur, MI possess devastating batting depth and bowling variety. The addition of Shabnim Ismail provides express pace, while the retention of Saika Ishaque ensures left-arm spin remains a weapon. New coach Lisa Keightley will work with a squad capable of defending their title.
Delhi Capitals: Rebuilding Without Lanning
Delhi Capitals made the bold decision to release Meg Lanning, their captain who led them to three consecutive finals. The franchise retained five players and entered the auction with Rs 5.70 crore, focusing on youth and versatility to finally break their runners-up curse.
Complete Delhi Capitals Squad (16 Players)
Retained Players:
- Jemimah Rodrigues (Rs 2.2 crore) – Expected new captain
- Shafali Verma (Rs 2 crore)
- Annabel Sutherland (Rs 1.6 crore)
- Marizanne Kapp (Rs 1.5 crore)
- Niki Prasad (Rs 40 lakh)
Players Bought at Auction:
- Chinelle Henry (Rs 1.3 crore) – West Indies all-rounder
- Shree Charani (Rs 1.3 crore) – Indian spinner
- Laura Wolvaardt (Rs 1.1 crore) – South African batter
- Sneh Rana (Rs 50 lakh) – Indian all-rounder
- Minnu Mani (Rs 40 lakh) – Indian off-spinner
- Taniya Bhatia (Rs 30 lakh) – Indian wicketkeeper
- Lizelle Lee (Rs 30 lakh) – South African batter
- Nandini Sharma (Rs 20 lakh) – Indian bowler
- Deeya Yadav (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian bowler
- Mamatha Madiwala (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian all-rounder
- Lucy Hamilton (Rs 10 lakh) – Australian fast bowler
Purse Remaining: Rs 0
Analysis: Delhi Capitals have rebuilt with a youth-centric approach while maintaining experienced core players. Laura Wolvaardt’s acquisition for Rs 1.1 crore provides top-order stability and potential captaincy options alongside Jemimah Rodrigues. The signings of Chinelle Henry and Shree Charani (both at Rs 1.3 crore) add bowling firepower that was missing in previous campaigns. Head coach Jonathan Batty will hope this combination finally delivers DC’s first WPL title.
UP Warriorz: The Mega Spenders
UP Warriorz entered the WPL 2026 mega auction with the largest purse of Rs 14.50 crore after retaining only Shweta Sehrawat. The franchise emerged as the auction’s biggest spenders, assembling a star-studded squad built around World Cup winner Deepti Sharma and former Delhi captain Meg Lanning.
Complete UP Warriorz Squad (18 Players)
Retained Player:
- Shweta Sehrawat (Rs 1.2 crore)
Players Bought at Auction:
- Deepti Sharma (Rs 3.2 crore RTM) – Indian all-rounder, World Cup Player of Tournament
- Shikha Pandey (Rs 2.4 crore) – Indian fast bowler
- Meg Lanning (Rs 1.9 crore) – Australian batter, potential captain
- Phoebe Litchfield (Rs 1.2 crore) – Australian batter
- Asha Sobhana (Rs 1.1 crore) – Indian leg-spinner
- Sophie Ecclestone (Rs 85 lakh RTM) – England spinner
- Deandra Dottin (Rs 80 lakh) – West Indies all-rounder
- Kiran Navgire (Rs 60 lakh RTM) – Indian power-hitter
- Harleen Deol (Rs 50 lakh) – Indian batter
- Kranti Goud (Rs 50 lakh RTM) – Indian all-rounder
- Pratika Rawal (Rs 50 lakh) – Indian opener
- Chloe Tryon (Rs 30 lakh) – South African all-rounder
- Tara Norris (Rs 10 lakh) – USA fast bowler
- G Trisha (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian batter
- Simran Shaikh (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian all-rounder
- Shipra Giri (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian bowler
- Suman Meena (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian wicketkeeper
Purse Remaining: Rs 15 lakh
Analysis: UP Warriorz have assembled arguably the tournament’s most balanced squad. Deepti Sharma’s return for Rs 3.2 crore provides world-class all-round ability fresh off her World Cup heroics. Meg Lanning’s addition for Rs 1.9 crore brings championship-winning leadership and batting class to the top order. The bowling attack featuring Sophie Ecclestone, Shikha Pandey (Rs 2.4 crore), and Asha Sobhana offers wicket-taking threats across pace and spin. New coach Abhishek Nayar inherits a squad capable of challenging for the title.
Gujarat Giants: Balanced Rebuild Under Devine
Gujarat Giants retained only two players but entered the auction with Rs 9 crore, the second-highest purse. The franchise secured Sophie Devine’s leadership and Georgia Wareham’s leg-spin wizardry to complement their core of Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney.
Complete Gujarat Giants Squad (18 Players)
Retained Players:
- Ashleigh Gardner (Rs 3.2 crore)
- Beth Mooney (Rs 2 crore)
Players Bought at Auction:
- Sophie Devine (Rs 2 crore) – New Zealand all-rounder, potential captain
- Georgia Wareham (Rs 1 crore) – Australian leg-spinner
- Bharti Fulmali (Rs 70 lakh RTM) – Indian bowler
- Kashvee Gautam (Rs 65 lakh RTM) – Indian wicketkeeper-batter
- Renuka Singh Thakur (Rs 60 lakh) – Indian fast bowler
- Yastika Bhatia (Rs 50 lakh) – Indian wicketkeeper-batter
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Rs 50 lakh) – England batter
- Kim Garth (Rs 50 lakh) – Australian fast bowler
- Tanuja Kanwar (Rs 45 lakh) – Indian left-arm spinner
- Anushka Sharma (Rs 45 lakh) – Indian all-rounder
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad (Rs 40 lakh) – Indian left-arm spinner
- Titas Sadhu (Rs 30 lakh) – Indian fast bowler
- Ayushi Soni (Rs 30 lakh) – Indian bowler
- Kanika Ahuja (Rs 30 lakh) – Indian all-rounder
- Happy Kumari (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian bowler
- Shivani Singh (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian batter
Purse Remaining: Rs 15 lakh
Analysis: Gujarat Giants have addressed their historical struggles with smart acquisitions. Sophie Devine’s signing for Rs 2 crore brings international retirement-free availability and proven T20 leadership. Georgia Wareham’s Rs 1 crore investment reunites her with her original WPL franchise, adding leg-spin variety to complement Gardner’s off-spin. The bowling attack featuring Renuka Singh, Kim Garth, and Titas Sadhu provides pace depth. Giants fans will hope this combination finally delivers consistent performances.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending Champions Stay the Course
Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained four key players from their 2024 championship squad, ensuring continuity under captain Smriti Mandhana’s leadership. With Rs 6.15 crore available, RCB made strategic additions to defend their title.
Complete Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad (16 Players)
Retained Players:
- Smriti Mandhana – Captain (Rs 3.5 crore)
- Richa Ghosh (Rs 2.75 crore)
- Ellyse Perry (Rs 2 crore)
- Shreyanka Patil (Rs 60 lakh)
Players Bought at Auction:
- Lauren Bell (Rs 90 lakh) – England fast bowler
- Pooja Vastrakar (Rs 85 lakh) – Indian all-rounder
- Grace Harris (Rs 75 lakh) – Australian all-rounder
- Arundhati Reddy (Rs 75 lakh) – Indian fast bowler
- Radha Yadav (Rs 65 lakh) – Indian left-arm spinner
- Nadine de Klerk (Rs 65 lakh) – South African all-rounder
- Georgia Voll (Rs 60 lakh) – Australian batter
- Linsey Smith (Rs 30 lakh) – England spinner
- D Hemalatha (Rs 30 lakh) – Indian batter
- Prema Rawat (Rs 20 lakh RTM) – Indian batter
- Gautami Naik (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian bowler
- Prathyoosha Kumar (Rs 10 lakh) – Indian wicketkeeper
Purse Remaining: Rs 0
Analysis: RCB have strengthened their championship-winning formula with quality additions. Lauren Bell’s acquisition for Rs 90 lakh provides express pace and swing, addressing a key requirement. Pooja Vastrakar (Rs 85 lakh) adds Indian all-round depth that proved crucial in their 2024 triumph. Grace Harris brings power-hitting capability to the middle order, while Radha Yadav’s left-arm spin offers variation. New head coach Malolan Rangarajan inherits a well-balanced squad capable of defending the crown.
Auction Highlights and Key Statistics
The WPL 2026 mega auction produced several record-breaking moments and strategic masterstrokes that will shape the upcoming season.
Top 10 Most Expensive Buys
- Deepti Sharma – Rs 3.2 crore (UP Warriorz, RTM)
- Amelia Kerr – Rs 3 crore (Mumbai Indians)
- Shikha Pandey – Rs 2.4 crore (UP Warriorz)
- Sophie Devine – Rs 2 crore (Gujarat Giants)
- Meg Lanning – Rs 1.9 crore (UP Warriorz)
- Phoebe Litchfield – Rs 1.2 crore (UP Warriorz)
- Chinelle Henry – Rs 1.3 crore (Delhi Capitals)
- Shree Charani – Rs 1.3 crore (Delhi Capitals)
- Laura Wolvaardt – Rs 1.1 crore (Delhi Capitals)
- Asha Sobhana – Rs 1.1 crore (UP Warriorz)
Auction Statistics
- Total Players in Pool: 277 (194 Indian, 83 Overseas)
- Players Sold: 67
- Players Unsold: 210
- Total Spending: Rs 40.8 crore
- Overseas Players Signed: 23
- Indian Players Signed: 44
- Maximum Squad Size: 18 players
- Minimum Squad Size: 15 players
RTM Card Usage
Right to Match (RTM) cards were introduced for the first time in WPL history, allowing teams to buy back released players by matching the highest bid.
- UP Warriorz: Used 4 RTM cards (Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Kiran Navgire, Kranti Goud)
- Gujarat Giants: Used 2 RTM cards (Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Used 1 RTM card (Prema Rawat)
- Mumbai Indians: No RTM cards available (5 retentions)
- Delhi Capitals: No RTM cards available (5 retentions)
Strategic Team Analysis and Title Contenders
Mumbai Indians: Favorites for Three-Peat
Strengths: Championship-winning core intact, devastating batting lineup, balanced bowling attack Weaknesses: Limited Indian batting depth beyond retained players X-Factor: Amelia Kerr’s all-round brilliance combined with Nat Sciver-Brunt’s consistency
Mumbai Indians remain overwhelming favorites with their core trio of Sciver-Brunt, Matthews, and Kerr providing world-class all-round ability. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s experience and Shabnim Ismail’s express pace make them the team to beat.
UP Warriorz: Dark Horses with Firepower
Strengths: Deepest squad, World Cup winners, excellent overseas options Weaknesses: Captaincy decision pending, new combinations to gel X-Factor: Deepti Sharma’s all-round genius fresh from World Cup triumph
UP Warriorz assembled the tournament’s most expensive squad with Rs 14.35 crore spent. The combination of Deepti Sharma, Meg Lanning, Sophie Ecclestone, and Shikha Pandey provides championship credentials across all departments.
Delhi Capitals: Breaking the Jinx?
Strengths: Youthful energy, powerful batting core, improved bowling Weaknesses: Captaincy transition, finals inexperience without Lanning X-Factor: Laura Wolvaardt’s class and potential captaincy impact
Delhi Capitals rebuilt aggressively without Meg Lanning, investing in Chinelle Henry and Shree Charani to address bowling weaknesses. If Jemimah Rodrigues can provide leadership stability, DC have the squad to finally win their maiden title.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Champions’ Advantage
Strengths: Championship-winning core retained, captain Smriti Mandhana in prime form Weaknesses: Relatively smaller purse limited options, depth concerns X-Factor: Smriti Mandhana’s leadership and batting brilliance post-World Cup win
RCB enter as defending champions with their core intact. The additions of Lauren Bell, Pooja Vastrakar, and Grace Harris provide quality depth, but they may lack the firepower of mega-spending rivals.
Gujarat Giants: Seeking Consistency
Strengths: Star-studded overseas lineup, improved bowling depth Weaknesses: Historical inconsistency, middle-order fragility X-Factor: Sophie Devine’s leadership and Georgia Wareham’s leg-spin
Gujarat Giants have their strongest squad yet with Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, and Georgia Wareham forming a formidable overseas quartet. The challenge remains translating talent into consistent performances.
Overseas Stars to Watch
The WPL 2026 mega auction secured commitments from several international superstars who will headline the tournament:
Big Signings:
- Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians) – World’s premier spin all-rounder
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians) – England’s batting powerhouse
- Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz) – Legendary Australian captain
- Sophie Ecclestone (UP Warriorz) – World’s number one T20I bowler
- Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians) – West Indies captain and match-winner
- Ellyse Perry (RCB) – Australian all-round legend
- Marizanne Kapp (Delhi Capitals) – South African all-rounder
- Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants) – Former New Zealand captain
- Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants) – Australian all-rounder
- Beth Mooney (Gujarat Giants) – Australian wicketkeeper-batter
Indian Stars Building on World Cup Glory
India’s ODI World Cup 2025 triumph has significantly boosted the market value of several players who starred in the historic campaign:
World Cup Winners in High Demand:
- Deepti Sharma (Rs 3.2 crore) – Player of the Tournament with 215 runs and 22 wickets
- Smriti Mandhana (Rs 3.5 crore retention) – 525 runs in World Cup at 87.50 average
- Richa Ghosh (Rs 2.75 crore retention) – Explosive wicketkeeper-batter
- Shree Charani (Rs 1.3 crore) – Left-arm spinner with crucial wickets
- Sneh Rana (Rs 50 lakh) – Experienced all-rounder
- Renuka Singh (Rs 60 lakh) – New-ball bowler
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Rs 2.5 crore retention) – Captain and middle-order stalwart
The World Cup success has elevated Indian players’ profiles globally, with franchises competing intensely to secure their services for WPL 2026.
Format and Tournament Structure
The Women’s Premier League 2026 will maintain its established format with minor tweaks:
League Stage:
- Each team plays every other team twice (home and away in caravan format)
- Total league matches: 20
- Points system: 2 points for win, 1 for tie/no result, 0 for loss
- Top 4 teams qualify for playoffs
Playoffs:
- Eliminator: 3rd vs 4th
- Qualifier 1: 1st vs 2nd
- Qualifier 2: Winner of Eliminator vs Loser of Qualifier 1
- Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2
Venue Information and Fan Experience
DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
The World Cup-winning venue returns to host WPL action, providing a high-capacity, modern facility for the tournament opener and first leg. Recently witnessing India’s historic ODI World Cup triumph, the stadium offers state-of-the-art facilities and excellent viewing experiences for packed crowds.
Capacity: 55,000 Known For: Fast-paced wickets favoring stroke-making Recent Glory: India vs South Africa Women’s ODI World Cup Final venue
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
Vadodara’s premier cricket facility will host the second leg and the WPL 2026 final on February 5. The venue has emerged as a significant hub for women’s cricket in Gujarat.
Capacity: 45,000 Known For: Balanced wickets supporting all playing styles Notable: Also hosting India vs New Zealand Men’s ODI on January 11
New Coaches and Support Staff
Several franchises have appointed new coaching personnel ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction:
- Mumbai Indians: Lisa Keightley (New Head Coach)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Malolan Rangarajan (New Head Coach), Anya Shrubsole (Assistant Coach)
- UP Warriorz: Abhishek Nayar (New Head Coach)
- Delhi Capitals: Jonathan Batty (Head Coach continues)
- Gujarat Giants: Michael Klinger (continues as Head Coach)
Broadcast and Streaming Information
The BCCI has secured comprehensive broadcast partnerships ensuring maximum reach for WPL 2026:
Television: Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, 2, 3 in SD and HD) Digital Streaming: JioHotstar app and website Languages: Multiple language feeds including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada
Future Expansion Plans
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal expressed hope for league expansion during the auction: “I think it is imminent that either one or two new teams will come in at some point. And maybe with that addition, we move home and away. That would be ideal for the fans, for the game, and for the growth of the WPL.”
The BCCI is evaluating proposals for adding one or two franchises for future editions, potentially as early as WPL 2027, which would necessitate a longer tournament window and true home-and-away format.
Read More: WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Full List of Unsold Players, No Bids for Alyssa Healy
FAQs
When does the WPL 2026 season begin?
The WPL 2026 season begins on January 9, 2026, at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, with the final scheduled for February 5, 2026, at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
Which team spent the most in the WPL 2026 mega auction?
UP Warriorz spent the most, utilizing their Rs 14.50 crore purse to assemble a star-studded squad including Deepti Sharma (Rs 3.2 crore), Meg Lanning (Rs 1.9 crore), and Shikha Pandey (Rs 2.4 crore).
Who was the most expensive player in the WPL 2026 mega auction?
Deepti Sharma became the most expensive player at Rs 3.2 crore when UP Warriorz used their RTM card to match Delhi Capitals’ bid, making her the joint second-highest paid player in WPL history.
How many teams participate in WPL 2026?
Five teams participate in WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz.
Where can fans watch WPL 2026 matches?
WPL 2026 matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website with multiple language commentary options.
