The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is heading into a fresh phase with its first-ever mega auction, a moment that could redefine team identities for the next cycle. With squads set to be rebuilt and budgets carefully balanced, the WPL 2026 auction promises high drama, big spending, and crucial long-term decisions. Here’s a complete, fan-friendly breakdown of what lies ahead.
When and where is the WPL 2026 auction?
The WPL 2026 mega auction will take place on November 27 in Delhi, starting at 3:30 PM IST. A total of 277 players will go under the hammer, including 194 Indian players and 83 overseas cricketers, offering franchises a deep and diverse talent pool.
How many squad slots are available?
Across the five franchises, 73 slots are up for grabs:
- 50 Indian players
- 23 overseas players
Each team can register a maximum of 18 players, with up to six overseas names allowed. The minimum squad size is 15 players.
Once the first 67 players are auctioned, the accelerated round will kick in. Franchises will nominate shortlisted players from the remaining pool, after which teams can reintroduce unsold or unpresented names for further bidding. This phase often throws up surprise bargains.
Which players could attract the biggest bids?
Several international stars are expected to spark bidding wars. Former Australia captain Meg Lanning, back in form in the WBBL, headlines the overseas list. New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr and Australia’s rising star Phoebe Litchfield are also likely to command premium prices.
South Africans Laura Wolvaardt and Nadine de Klerk have boosted their stocks with strong ODI World Cup performances.
Among Indian players, Deepti Sharma, the World Cup Player of the Tournament, could emerge as the most expensive buy. Young talents Kranti Gaud and N Shree Charani are also expected to draw serious interest.
Why are some big names missing from the auction?
That’s because franchises were allowed to retain or buy back up to five players before the auction, using direct retentions or the Right to Match (RTM) option. Teams could keep:
- Up to three capped Indian players
- Up to two overseas players
- Up to two uncapped Indian players
If a team retained five players, at least one had to be an uncapped Indian.
Confirmed Retentions
- Delhi Capitals: Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad
- Gujarat Giants: Ash Gardner, Beth Mooney
- Mumbai Indians: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Ellyse Perry
- UP Warriorz: Shweta Sehrawat
How does the RTM option work this time?
For the first time in WPL history, teams can use RTM cards to reclaim players from their 2025 squads during the auction.
- UP Warriorz have four RTM cards
- Gujarat Giants have three RTMs, usable only on Indian players
- RCB have one RTM, limited to an uncapped Indian
- Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians have no RTM cards, having retained five players each
Remaining purse: who has the most money to spend?
With a total purse of INR 15 crore per team, spending power varies widely:
- UP Warriorz: INR 14.50 crore
- Gujarat Giants: INR 9 crore
- RCB: INR 6.15 crore
- Mumbai Indians: INR 5.75 crore
- Delhi Capitals: INR 5.70 crore
Both MI and DC still need to buy at least 10 players each, which could force them to hunt for smart, low-cost options.
Which notable players are absent from the auction list?
Australia’s Tahlia McGrath and Sophie Molineux are not part of the auction. Former South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk, who is eyeing an international comeback, is also missing.
What’s the rule on Associate nation players?
Teams can field a fifth overseas player in their playing XI if she belongs to an Associate nation. However, for squad composition, Associate players are still counted as overseas.
Only four Associate players are listed:
- Theertha Satish
- Esha Oza
- Tara Norris
- Thipatcha Putthawong
Scotland’s Kathryn and Sarah Bryce are absent due to scheduling clashes with the 2026 T20 World Cup Qualifier.
When does WPL 2026 begin?
The WPL 2026 season will kick off on January 7, with the final scheduled for early February.
- First half: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Second half: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
The full match schedule is expected to be announced soon.
Final Take
The WPL 2026 mega auction is not just about star power—it’s about planning, balance, and future-proofing squads. Teams with bigger purses will aim for marquee names, while others must rely on smart scouting and depth-building. One thing is certain: November 27 could shape the next era of the Women’s Premier League.
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