The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is preparing for the 2026 major auction on November 27 in New Delhi. A total of 277 cricketers have entered the competition, and the bidding will begin with a star-studded marquee set including world-class players, led by India’s Deepti Sharma.
This year’s blockbuster auction takes place just after the enthralling Women’s World Cup. Only 73 of the 277 registered players will receive a contract, including 23 abroad places. The franchises have INR 41.1 crore to spend, with UP Warriorz (UPW) holding the largest purse. Notably, the headline group consists of eight individuals, and their bidding is expected to draw major attention.
Deepti, an Indian all-rounder, and Renuka Singh, a pacer, are the home contingent’s star players. They join international competitors such as Sophie Devine, Sophie Ecclestone, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, and Laura Wolvaardt. Interestingly, only Renuka (INR 40 lakh) and Wolvaardt (INR 30 lakh) have chosen a base price below the maximum INR 50 lakh slab. Three star players, Deepti, Ecclestone, and Healy, have previously represented UP Warriorz, which enters the auction with four right-to-match (RTM) cards.
Out of 277 registrants, 83 are foreign players competing for 23 abroad places. England continues to have a strong representation, with 22 names, followed by New Zealand with 13 and South Africa with 11. Chamari Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Inoka Ranaweera represent Sri Lanka, while Thipatcha Putthawong from Thailand and Tara Norris from the United States are notable Associate entries.
Harleen Deol of India stands as the highest-paid capped all-rounder, carrying a base price of INR 50 lakh. On the other hand, the Gujarat Giants cannot use RTM on Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield because they have already retained two overseas talents.
The first spinner set features Australia’s Alana King (INR 40 lakh), along with India’s Asha Sobhana, Priya Mishra, and former Mumbai Indians left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque (all at INR 30 lakh). UP Warriorz lead the financial standings with INR 14.50 crore, followed by Gujarat Giants with INR 9 crore. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (INR 6.15 crore), Mumbai Indians (INR 5.75 crore), and Delhi Capitals (INR 5.70 crore) complete the list.
