Asha Sobhana has been roped in by the UP Warriorz in the WPL 2026 mega auction, as the Kerala cricketer has switched her allegiance from Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the new season.
The experienced India spinner was bought by the Warriorz for Rs 1.10 crore, a significant rise from her previous deal.
Bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for INR 10 Lakhs, she claimed five wickets in five WPL 2023 matches. In 2024, her historic 5/22 against UP Warriorz-the first five-for by an Indian in WPL-secured a thrilling win and Player-of-the-Match honours, bolstered by smart tactics like flighting the ball. This propelled her to an India T20I debut at 33, crediting WPL for her breakthrough after two decades of perseverance across teams. She
shines as a middle-order batter and key spinner in Indian women's cricket.
And just after finding her new team, Asha spoke to MyKhel in an Exclusive Interview, depicting her excitement to play for UP Warriorz, while thanking her former team, who played a massive part in elevating her career.
"Feeling so happy, but I am always grateful to RCB. I was not picked for any higher level of cricket until RCB picked me in the first year. I am so grateful to them, and I am so happy that UP Warriorz put a lot of faith in me. I am coming after an injury, and I took a break for a year and worked really hard on the skills and fitness. "
Sobhana also thanked the Centre of Excellence doctors and physios, who put in a lot of effort to get her back in shape. The veteran had a complete ACL reconstruction and it required immense hard work. And in the domestic season, Asha has not just honed her skills with the spin, but has played some decent knocks with the bat as well. And ahead of the WPL season, she is ready to play any role the team wants her to play.
"If the franchise thinks I can bat up the order, yeah, sure, I am ready. I am ready to do anything the team requires me to do. "
