The cricket world has been left stunned by the retention decisions ahead of the WPL 2026 Mega Auction, with several marquee players being released by their franchises. The November 6 deadline brought unprecedented surprises as World Cup heroes, former captains, and international superstars found themselves back in the auction pool. These shocking releases have set the stage for what promises to be the most competitive and unpredictable Women’s Premier League auction to date.
From World Cup Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma to legendary Australian captains, the list of released players reads like a who’s who of women’s cricket. These strategic decisions by franchises have created a fascinating dynamic heading into the mega auction scheduled for November 27 in Delhi.
Table of Contents
Understanding the WPL 2026 Retention Framework
Retention Rules and Financial Structure
Before diving into the biggest releases, it’s crucial to understand the framework that led to these decisions. Each franchise was allowed to retain a maximum of five players with specific categorizations and financial implications.
| Retention Categories | Maximum Allowed | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Capped Indian Players | 3 | Must include at least 1 if retaining 5 |
| Overseas Players | 2 | Subject to availability |
| Uncapped Indian Players | 2 | Mandatory if retaining 5 players |
Financial Implications
The retention slabs were structured as follows: ₹3.5 crore (Player 1), ₹2.5 crore (Player 2), ₹1.75 crore (Player 3), ₹1 crore (Player 4), and ₹50 lakh (Player 5). Teams retaining the maximum five players would spend ₹9.25 crore, leaving ₹5.75 crore for the auction.
The 10 Biggest Players Released Before WPL 2026 Mega Auction
1. Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz) – The Biggest Shock
The most stunning release of the retention window was undoubtedly Deepti Sharma, fresh from her Player of the Tournament performance at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. The star all-rounder, who captained UP Warriorz in Alyssa Healy’s absence, was inexplicably released despite her match-winning contributions in India’s historic World Cup triumph.
Career Highlights:
- World Cup 2025 Player of the Tournament
- Key figure in India’s World Cup final victory
- Led UP Warriorz as captain in 2025
2. Alyssa Healy (UP Warriorz) – Australian Legend Released
UP Warriorz’s radical rebuild saw them release their Australian captain Alyssa Healy, one of the most successful wicket-keeper batters in women’s cricket history. Healy’s release, combined with the franchise retaining only uncapped Indian batter Shweta Sehrawat, signals a complete strategic overhaul.
3. Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals) – The Most Decorated Captain
Perhaps the most shocking captain release was Delhi Capitals’ decision to let go of Meg Lanning, the most successful captain in women’s cricket history. Despite leading Australia to multiple World Cup victories, Lanning found herself released as Delhi chose to retain five players, forcing difficult decisions.
| Player | Previous Team | Role | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deepti Sharma | UP Warriorz | All-rounder/Captain | World Cup 2025 POTT |
| Alyssa Healy | UP Warriorz | Wicket-keeper/Captain | Australian legend |
| Meg Lanning | Delhi Capitals | Captain | Most decorated captain |
| Amelia Kerr | Mumbai Indians | All-rounder | T20 WC 2024 POTT |
4. Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians) – T20 World Cup Star
New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, the Player of the Tournament at the 2024 T20 World Cup, was sacrificed by Mumbai Indians as they chose to retain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews as their overseas players. Kerr’s release is particularly surprising given her recent form and all-round capabilities.
5. Sophie Ecclestone (UP Warriorz) – World’s No. 1 Spinner
The world’s top-ranked T20I bowler Sophie Ecclestone was among the high-profile casualties of UP Warriorz’s mass exodus. The English left-arm spinner’s consistent performances and wicket-taking ability make her release one of the most puzzling decisions.
6. Laura Wolvaardt (Gujarat Giants) – World Cup Final Hero
South African opener Laura Wolvaardt, who scored back-to-back centuries in the World Cup semi-final and final, was surprisingly released by Gujarat Giants. Her exceptional form during the World Cup makes her one of the most sought-after players for the upcoming auction.
7. Alice Capsey (Delhi Capitals) – Young English Sensation
England’s promising young all-rounder Alice Capsey found herself released by Delhi Capitals despite her explosive batting and useful off-spin bowling. The 20-year-old’s potential and youth make her release a significant talking point.
8. Grace Harris (UP Warriorz) – Australian Power-Hitter
Australian explosive batter Grace Harris was another victim of UP Warriorz’s radical approach. Known for her destructive batting in the middle order, Harris’s power-hitting abilities will be highly valued in the auction pool.
9. Sophie Devine (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) – Veteran All-rounder
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine’s vast experience and all-round skills couldn’t save her from being released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The veteran’s leadership qualities and batting prowess make her release noteworthy.
10. Pooja Vastrakar (Mumbai Indians) – Indian Seam All-rounder
Indian seam bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar was released by defending champions Mumbai Indians as they prioritized other players. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a valuable asset for other franchises.
Team-wise Analysis of Major Releases
UP Warriorz: The Great Exodus
UP Warriorz adopted the most radical approach, releasing 16 players to enter the auction with the maximum purse of ₹14.5 crore and four RTM cards. This strategy represents the most comprehensive rebuild in WPL history.
Delhi Capitals: Difficult Choices
Despite retaining the maximum five players, Delhi Capitals made headlines by releasing their successful captain Meg Lanning. Their decision to prioritize Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, and Niki Prasad forced this difficult choice.
Mumbai Indians: Balancing Act
The defending champions faced tough decisions with their overseas contingent, ultimately releasing T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament Amelia Kerr to retain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews.
Strategic Implications for WPL 2026 Mega Auction
Auction Dynamics
The release of these marquee players has created an unprecedented scenario where multiple World Cup heroes and former captains will be available for bidding. This situation is expected to drive up prices and create intense bidding wars.
Franchise Purse Distribution
| Franchise | Remaining Purse | RTM Cards Available | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| UP Warriorz | ₹14.5 crore | 4 | Aggressive rebuild |
| Gujarat Giants | ₹9 crore | 3 | Balanced approach |
| RCB | ₹6.25 crore | 1 | Selective additions |
| Delhi Capitals | ₹5.75 crore | 0 | Limited flexibility |
| Mumbai Indians | ₹5.75 crore | 0 | Minimal changes |
Right-to-Match (RTM) Factor
The introduction of RTM cards for the first time in WPL adds a new strategic dimension. UP Warriorz, with four RTM cards, are expected to use them strategically to re-acquire key players like Deepti Sharma or Grace Harris.
Impact on International Cricket
World Cup Winners in Auction Pool
The presence of multiple World Cup 2025 winners in the auction pool, including Deepti Sharma, creates fascinating scenarios. These players’ recent success on the global stage will significantly influence their auction valuations.
Captaincy Options
With experienced captains like Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy available, franchises seeking leadership will have premium options. This could reshape team dynamics across the league.
Expected Auction Scenarios
High-Value Targets
Players like Deepti Sharma, Alyssa Healy, and Meg Lanning are expected to trigger intense bidding wars. Their combination of skill, experience, and recent success makes them prime targets for all franchises.
Strategic Considerations
Franchises will need to balance immediate impact with long-term vision. The availability of proven performers offers opportunities to strengthen squads significantly, but budget constraints will force difficult choices.
The release of these marquee players has transformed the WPL 2026 Mega Auction from a routine exercise into a potentially game-changing event. With World Cup heroes, veteran captains, and emerging talents all available, the auction promises to reshape the competitive landscape of women’s cricket in India.
The unprecedented nature of these releases has created the most exciting auction scenario in WPL history, with legendary players and World Cup heroes set to find new homes in what promises to be a thrilling bidding battle on November 27.
Read More: WPL 2026 Mega Auction Guide: Complete Rules, Retention Strategy, and Price Structure
Also Read: Rishabh Pant’s Return from Injury: India vs South Africa Test Squad Announced for 2 Match Series
FAQs
Who are the biggest players released before the WPL 2026 Mega Auction?
The biggest releases include Deepti Sharma, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Ecclestone, Laura Wolvaardt, Alice Capsey, Grace Harris, Sophie Devine, and Pooja Vastrakar.
Why did UP Warriorz release so many star players including Deepti Sharma?
UP Warriorz adopted a complete rebuild strategy, retaining only uncapped batter Shweta Sehrawat to maximize their auction purse (₹14.5 crore) and RTM cards (4) for an aggressive approach at the mega auction.
When and where will the WPL 2026 Mega Auction take place?
The WPL 2026 Mega Auction is scheduled for November 27, 2025, in Delhi, where all released and unregistered players will be available for bidding.
What is the RTM (Right-to-Match) system introduced for WPL 2026?
RTM allows franchises to buy back players from their 2025 squad by matching the highest bid during the auction. UP Warriorz have the maximum 4 RTM cards available.
Which franchise has the largest budget for the WPL 2026 Mega Auction?
UP Warriorz enters the auction with the largest purse of ₹14.5 crore after retaining only one player, followed by Gujarat Giants with ₹9 crore.
