New Delhi: The first-ever mega auction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 delivered high drama, major spending, and several surprise picks as franchises reshaped their squads ahead of the upcoming season. Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma emerged as the most expensive buy, with UP Warriorz using their Right-to-Match (RTM) card to retain her for ₹3.20 crore. New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr followed closely, joining Mumbai Indians for ₹3 crore after an aggressive bidding battle.
UP Warriorz dominated the headlines again by acquiring Australia’s Meg Lanning for ₹1.90 crore and securing several key performers including Phoebe Litchfield, Asha Sobhna, Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, and Chloe Tryon, strengthening both their batting and all-round options.
Gujarat Giants made significant additions, signing Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore and reinforcing their bowling attack with Georgia Wareham, Renuka Thakur, and Kashvee Gautam. They also exercised an RTM card to bring back Bharti Fulmali for ₹70 lakh.
Delhi Capitals focused on a mix of experience and future prospects, signing South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt for ₹1.10 crore and West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry for ₹1.30 crore. Young domestic players such as Shree Charani, Minnu Mani, Tanya Bhatia, and Nandini Sharma also found places in the squad.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) balanced their team with strategic buys, picking up England pacer Lauren Bell for ₹90 lakh, Nadine de Klerk for ₹65 lakh, and Radha Yadav at the same price. Their batting received a boost with Grace Harris and Georgia Voll joining the lineup.
Mumbai Indians secured crucial overseas firepower by signing Shabnim Ismail and Nicola Carey while adding promising local talents such as Sanjeevan Sanjana and Rahila Firdous at economical prices.
Several players attracted competitive bidding in the mid-range bracket, including Sneh Rana, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and Titas Sadhu. Young domestic prospects such as Pratika Rawal, Ayushi Soni, Pema Rawat, and Deeya Yadav were also picked up by different franchises, further highlighting the league’s focus on nurturing fresh talent.
The auction saw dozens of players go unsold as well, but the day largely belonged to seasoned internationals and emerging Indian talents who found new opportunities across the five teams. With squads now rebuilt, franchises will begin preparations for what promises to be the most competitive WPL season yet.
