November 27 delivered a packed and consequential day in the world of sports, with major developments unfolding across cricket, franchise leagues, governance, and global sporting events.
From a headline-grabbing
WPL auction to structural conversations about the league's evolution, women's cricket once again dominated the sporting discourse. Meanwhile, the Indian men's cricket team continued to face tough questions following their recent Test setbacks, prompting statements from players, support staff, and former legends.
Beyond the cricket field, India's growing influence in world sport gained further momentum with its successful bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. International federations responded with enthusiasm, athletes shared personal updates, and administrative decisions shaped the narrative of a busy news cycle. Here is the complete sports wrap for November 27.
1. Deepti Sharma Headlines Biggest Buys of WPL 2026 Auction
India all-rounder Deepti Sharma dominated the WPL 2026 mega auction, becoming the most expensive marquee player after UP Warriorz exercised their RTM card to retain her for INR 3.2 crore. Delhi Capitals opened the bidding, but UPW - armed with the largest purse and four RTMs - swiftly matched the offer, reaffirming Deepti as the cornerstone of their setup.
Amelia Kerr followed as the next major acquisition, with Mumbai Indians spending INR 3 crore, signalling a reset of their squad around her all-round capabilities. UPW continued their aggressive approach, using RTM to retain Sophie Ecclestone, signing Meg Lanning after an intense bidding war, and later adding Phoebe Litchfield, Asha Sobhana, and Kranti Gaud to complete a commanding early run at the auction. The pattern of buys highlighted the premium placed on versatile all-rounders and quality spinners heading into the new season.
2. WPL 2026 to Kick Off on January 9 in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara
The fourth edition of the Women's Premier League will begin on January 9, 2026, setting the stage for nearly a month of high-quality cricket featuring the best domestic and international talents. The league continues its upward trajectory, delivering stronger squads, rising fan interest, and a deeper competitive field with every passing year.
The upcoming season will be played across two passionate cricketing hubs - DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. Fans can expect packed stands, marquee clashes, and multiple high-stakes contests, especially after teams reshaped their line-ups in a dramatic auction session. The tournament finale will take place on February 5, promising a spectacular end to what is shaping into the most anticipated edition yet.
3. Parth Jindal Hints at WPL Expansion and Pushes for Home-and-Away Format
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal expressed optimism about the future of the WPL, revealing that the league could soon expand with the addition of one or two new franchises. Expansion would allow the BCCI to transition from the current caravan model to a full-fledged home-and-away format, which Jindal described as the "ideal" structure for long-term growth.
He acknowledged the logistical challenges the BCCI faces due to the short tournament window but emphasised that a longer cycle would create room for better fan engagement and stronger franchise identities. With two WPL seasons scheduled in a 14-month period, discussions around expansion are rapidly gaining traction. For now, WPL 2026 will continue with the caravan-style schedule across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
4. Siraj Criticises Airline After Being Stranded at Guwahati Airport
India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj expressed his displeasure on social media after being stranded for nearly four hours at Guwahati Airport, owing to a delayed Air India Express flight. Scheduled to depart for Hyderabad at 7:25 pm, the flight offered no communication or explanation for the delay, prompting frustration among passengers.
Siraj described the experience as "the worst" he had encountered with an airline and urged travellers to be cautious if service accountability did not improve. His complaint drew widespread attention from fans and frequent flyers who echoed similar experiences. The incident reignited discussions about airline responsibility and transparency, especially when public figures call out lapses in real time.
5. BCCI Rules Out Hasty Decisions After India's Test Series Loss
The BCCI has decided against reacting hastily following India's 0-2 home Test series loss to South Africa - the second such whitewash in 12 months. Despite rising questions around team selection and strategic direction, the board emphasised that it will first hold discussions with selectors and team management before deciding on next steps.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, whose tenure has seen mixed Test results but notable white-ball success, is expected to continue in his role with the 2027 World Cup contract in place. The board reiterated that the team is in a transition phase, and major shake-ups could disrupt long-term plans. India's recent red-ball struggles - including losses to New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia - have highlighted the need for recalibration, but not panic.
6. Ashwin and Gavaskar Stand Firmly Behind Gambhir
Amid growing criticism of India's Test performances, senior spinner R. Ashwin and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar have publicly defended head coach Gautam Gambhir, calling the backlash reactionary and misplaced. Ashwin emphasised that managing a national team is far more complex than what outsiders perceive and insisted that Gambhir should not be scapegoated for the team's inconsistencies.
Gavaskar reinforced this stance by highlighting Gambhir's role in India's recent triumphs in the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup. He argued that while a coach can prepare players, responsibility ultimately lies with those executing on the field. With his contract running until 2027, both Ashwin and Gavaskar urged patience and a long-term view of India's Test rebuild.
7. Ahmedabad May Add Vadodara as Cricket Venue for 2030 CWG
With Ahmedabad officially confirmed as the host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer revealed that Vadodara could become an additional venue for cricket events. While the primary Games footprint is planned across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, the T20 cricket format may require multiple grounds to manage schedules efficiently.
Iyer noted that organisers still aim for a compact Games, but Vadodara's proximity and strong cricket infrastructure make it a realistic candidate. The 2030 Games mark India's return to hosting the CWG after two decades, strengthening its long-term goal of bidding for the 2036 Olympics. Whether the men's T20 event will be included alongside the women's is still under deliberation.
8. ISSF and BWF Celebrate India's CWG Hosting; Hope for Sport's Reinclusion
The ISSF and BWF reacted positively to India hosting the 2030 CWG, saying it opens a strong pathway for the reinstatement of shooting and badminton, both dropped from the 2026 edition. The federations highlighted India's deep sporting culture, wide participation, and proven organisational capability as compelling reasons to include these sports again.
With the 2030 Games expected to feature 15-17 disciplines, far more than the slimmed-down Glasgow list, optimism is high. Both federations believe India's hosting will spark renewed investment and fan engagement in their sports, boosting the global profile ahead of future international cycles.
9. Jemimah Rodrigues Skips WBBL to Support Mandhana's Family
India star Jemimah Rodrigues will miss the remainder of the WBBL season after the Brisbane Heat approved her request to stay in India. Rodrigues had returned home to attend teammate Smriti Mandhana's wedding, which was later postponed due to her father's sudden health emergency.
With Mandhana's family dealing with a difficult period, Rodrigues chose to remain in India rather than rejoin the Heat for the final four matches. The franchise extended full support, citing player wellbeing as their priority. The episode highlights the deep personal bonds within the Indian women's team and the growing precedence of mental and emotional health in professional sport.
10. Rishabh Pant Apologises After 0-2 Series Loss to South Africa
Vice-captain Rishabh Pant issued a heartfelt apology following India's heavy defeat to South Africa, which included a record 408-run loss in the Guwahati Test - the biggest by runs in the nation's history. Pant's own form dipped significantly, scoring just 49 runs across four innings, prompting questions about his leadership and batting approach.
In a detailed social media message, Pant acknowledged the team's shortcomings and vowed to "regroup, refocus and reset. " Calling it an honour to represent India, he promised that the team would return stronger. His statement drew appreciation from fans for its honesty and accountability, even amid a difficult red-ball phase for Indian cricket.
