Delhi is abuzz with anticipation for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction, where 277 players will compete for a limited 73 available positions. This includes 23 precious overseas slots, highlighting the league’s international appeal. The player pool is a rich mix: 83 international cricketers, 155 uncapped Indian talents, and four from Associate nations. With player retentions finalized, franchises have a collective INR 41.1 crore at their disposal, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive bidding environment.
Eight prominent stars headline the auction, forming the coveted marquee set. For India, Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh Thakur are set to draw significant attention. Their international counterparts include powerhouses like Sophie Devine, Sophie Ecclestone, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, and Laura Wolvaardt. Most of these marquee players, except Renuka Singh (INR 40 lakh) and Wolvaardt (INR 30 lakh), have chosen the maximum reserve price of INR 50 lakh.
The UP Warriorz present an interesting scenario. Having retained only uncapped Shweta Sehrawat, they possess the largest purse at INR 14.50 crore and crucially, four RTM cards. This strategy could allow them to re-acquire key players like Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, or Alyssa Healy, all of whom previously represented the franchise.
Australia, despite contributing 23 players, sees notable stars like Tahlia McGrath and Sophie Molineux absent from the marquee list. England is sending 22 players, New Zealand 13, and South Africa 11. Sri Lanka’s contingent includes Chamari Athapaththu, who previously played for UP Warriorz, alongside Harshitha Samarawickrama and Inoka Ranaweera. Bangladesh’s trio of Marufa Akter, Shorna Akter, and Rabeya Khan are all priced at INR 30 lakh.
Nineteen players have opted for the highest base price of INR 50 lakh, indicating their confidence in attracting big bids. This list includes promising talents like Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, and Georgia Wareham. Gujarat Giants face limitations with Phoebe Litchfield due to already retaining two overseas players. Established all-rounders such as Radha Yadav and Sneh Rana are listed at INR 30 lakh.
In the spin department, Australia’s Alana King is available for INR 40 lakh, while India’s Asha Sobhana and Saika Ishaque are priced at INR 30 lakh. The auction also features players from Associate nations like Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong and USA’s Tara Norris. India dominates the player numbers with 194 participants, underscoring the domestic talent pool. The WPL 2026 auction promises an exciting reshuffling of teams, driven by strategic bidding and the pursuit of elite talent.