Deepti Sharma expectedly drew the closest attention at the WPL auction on Thursday, with UP Warriorz activating their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain the star India all-rounder for a commanding ₹3.20
crore. Interestingly, Deepti became the first player to fetch more than INR 3 crore from the UP-based franchise.
The marquee set, featuring eight top-tier players, saw intense bidding for seasoned internationals. Gujarat Giants picked up New Zealand’s power-hitter Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore, while UP Warriorz added Australian great Meg Lanning to their squad for ₹1.90 crore after a fierce contest with Delhi Capitals. Lanning, who guided DC to three consecutive finals, remained one of the most sought-after names.
Mumbai Indians followed with another major splash, securing New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr — last season’s joint-highest wicket-taker — for ₹3 crore.
Warriorz, armed with the biggest purse of ₹14.5 crore, stayed busy throughout the early rounds. They used their RTM card again to bring back England’s premier left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone for ₹85 lakh, strengthening their spin attack.
Delhi Capitals secured South African opener Laura Wolvaardt for ₹1.10 crore, while Gujarat Giants added India pacer Renuka Singh for ₹60 lakh. In a surprising twist, Australia captain Alyssa Healy, the first player to be listed, went unsold, raising eyebrows across the auction room.
WPL 2026 Venues Announced
The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League will take place in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, beginning January 9. Traditionally held in the February–March window, the tournament has been brought forward this year to accommodate the men’s T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7.
Announcing the schedule during the WPL auction, Chairperson Jayesh George confirmed that the upcoming season will follow the caravan model once again. The first leg of the tournament will be hosted at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai — the same ground where India recently lifted the women’s ODI World Cup — before the league shifts to Vadodara for the second phase. The season finale is scheduled for February 5.
Mumbai Indians, who have dominated the three-year-old competition so far, will enter the tournament as defending champions.
(With PTI Inputs)
