WPL 2025 Retention Rules : The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is gearing up for its third edition, with teams preparing to reveal their retention lists by November 7. While the auction date remains undecided, excitement is building as fans and franchises await player selections and potential shake ups in team compositions.
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Let’s have a look into more details : WPL 2025 Retention Rules
WPL Retention Rules for 2025: Key Points
- Squad Composition Rules : Each WPL team is allowed a maximum squad of 18 players, including up to six overseas players. Out of these, teams can field five international players in the playing XI, with one of those spots available to players from associate nations. This composition rule encourages a mix of domestic and international talent while providing opportunities for emerging cricketers worldwide.
- Retention and Release Process : Following each season, WPL franchises can retain a core set of players while releasing others to freshen up their rosters. This year, teams like the Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants must submit their lists of retained and released players by November 7. Released players will then be available in the mini-auction, which will allow teams to fill any gaps or bolster their lineups.
- Mini Auction Structure and Budget : The auction budget, known as the “auction purse,” has increased incrementally each season to support the rising value of players. For 2025, each team will have a purse of ₹15 crores, up from ₹13.5 crores in the previous season. Each team must have a minimum of 15 players but can go up to 18 if the budget allows. The auction follows a set of structured bidding increments to ensure smooth proceedings:
- Up to ₹1 crore: ₹5 lakh increments
- ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore: ₹10 lakh increments
- ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore: ₹20 lakh increments
- Above ₹3 crore: Auctioneer’s discretion, with a minimum increase of ₹20 lakh
- Replacement Players : Should a player opt out of the WPL season, teams can bring in a replacement, though retention rules allow the franchise to retain only one of the two (original player or replacement) in future seasons. This was the case for Royal Challengers Bangalore when Heather Knight opted out of WPL 2024, and Nadine de Klerk filled her spot.
- Potential Mega Auction in 2026 : As the WPL grows, there’s a possibility of a mega auction every three seasons, similar to the IPL, to encourage strategic team-building and talent redistribution. With a new team potentially joining, the WPL could see expanded rosters, creating exciting opportunities for domestic and international players alike.
What’s Different from the IPL?
While the WPL shares many similarities with the IPL, one major difference is the absence of the Impact Player rule in WPL. In the IPL, this rule allows teams to substitute a specialist batter or bowler mid game to optimize strategy. WPL’s format is designed to be fast paced, and though future editions could include the rule, it’s currently not part of WPL gameplay.
Upcoming WPL Schedule and Format Adjustments
Starting in 2026, the WPL season is expected to move to a January window to avoid overlap with international commitments. This change aligns with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Program, which aims to prevent clashes with domestic leagues. The third edition, however, will take place in its usual February March slot.
The upcoming WPL 2025 retention phase, along with the anticipated mini auction, promises to add new dynamics to the tournament. With the increased auction purse, expanded retention rules, and strategic squad building options, the league is set to offer a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans everywhere.
FAQs
When is the WPL retention deadline?
Teams must submit their retention lists by November 7, 2024
How many players can each WPL team have?
Each team can have a maximum of 18 players, including up to 6 overseas players
