The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction is on the horizon, set to take place in Delhi. A total of 277 players will go under the hammer, vying for 73 available team positions, including 23 slots for overseas talent. The pool comprises 83 international cricketers, 155 uncapped Indian players, and four from Associate nations, promising a diverse and competitive auction. After player retentions, the five franchises combined will have INR 41.1 crore to spend, ensuring a thrilling bidding spectacle.
Eight of the most sought-after players form the marquee set that will open the auction. India is represented by the star all-rounder Deepti Sharma and the dynamic fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur. The international marquee players are a glittering lineup: Sophie Devine, Sophie Ecclestone, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, and Laura Wolvaardt. Six of these stars have opted for the maximum reserve price of INR 50 lakh, while Renuka Singh is at INR 40 lakh and Wolvaardt at INR 30 lakh.
Significantly, UP Warriorz, having retained only uncapped player Shweta Sehrawat, hold the largest purse at INR 14.50 crore and possess four RTM cards. This gives them a strategic advantage, especially if they aim to re-acquire players like Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, or Alyssa Healy, who were previously part of their squad.
While Australia is strongly represented with 23 players, prominent names like Tahlia McGrath and Sophie Molineux are not in the marquee category. England contributes 22 players, New Zealand 13, and South Africa 11. Sri Lanka’s contingent includes Chamari Athapaththu, who has WPL experience, alongside Harshitha Samarawickrama and Inoka Ranaweera. Bangladesh’s Marufa Akter, Shorna Akter, and Rabeya Khan are all set to start at INR 30 lakh.
Nineteen players have set their base price at INR 50 lakh, indicating their potential to command high bids. This group includes exciting young talent like Phoebe Litchfield and Harleen Deol, as well as established players like Pooja Vastrakar and Georgia Wareham. Gujarat Giants’ ability to use RTM for Phoebe Litchfield is limited due to their overseas player retention strategy. Other capped all-rounders such as Radha Yadav and Sneh Rana are priced at INR 30 lakh.
Spinners are also a key focus, with Australia’s Alana King at INR 40 lakh and Indian spinners like Asha Sobhana and Saika Ishaque at INR 30 lakh. Players from Thailand and the USA add to the international flavour. India leads the player count with 194 participants, underscoring the vast domestic talent. The WPL 2026 auction is set to be a landmark event, reshaping the league’s landscape through strategic acquisitions and exciting bidding.