True to its billing, the WPL Auction 2026 was a perfect amalgamation of intense bidding wars, strategic retentions, and shocking releases as the first Women’s Premier League mega auction came alive in New Delhi this Thursday, November 27. The five franchises reshaped their rosters with a sharp focus on maintaining a delicate balance between world-class international talent and a strong Indian core. In all, there were 73 slots up for grabs, including 23 for overseas players, with teams collectively spending over INR 40 crores-a signal of the growing financial might and global appeal of the league.

Mega Auction Dynamics and RTM Introduction

This season saw a remarkable change in team strategies with the maximum retention limit, along with the all-important Right to Match (RTM) card. The RTM rule, a first for the WPL, allowed teams to buy back one of their released players by matching the highest bid from an opposing franchise.

• Strategic Purse Management: Each team’s remaining purse was dictated by the pre-auction retentions. UP Warriorz had the biggest purse at INR 14.5 crore for having retained just one player, which gave them maximum financial flexibility and four RTM options.
• Limited Purse Teams: Teams that retained the maximum five players, like Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, had entered the auction with the smallest purse size and zero RTM cards. They had to be very precise with their limited funds.

It creates a unique blend of financial power and strategic RTM usage, thus forcing the teams to plot in earnest in their squad building for the coming 2026 season.

Top Buys and Bidding Wars

There were immediate fireworks from the set marquee, setting the tone for the rest of the day. All-rounders and top-order batters, especially those coming off strong performances in the recent Women’s Cricket World Cup, commanded premium prices.

• Deepti Sharma’s Record Breaking Deal: Star Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma became the costliest player of the WPL Auction 2026. UP Warriorz used their Right to Match card to secure her services for a staggering INR 3.2 crore after a thrilling bidding duel. She became the second highest paid Indian player in WPL history.
• Overseas Power: New Zealand’s spin bowling all-rounder Amelia Kerr was another big purchase, again going back to Mumbai Indians this time for INR 3 crores. UP Warriorz also secured Australian batting veteran Meg Lanning for INR 1.90 crore to strengthen their leadership and batting lineup.
• Pacer Price: The intense fight for Indian pacer Shikha Pandey saw her price rise to INR 2.40 crore and underlined the demand for experienced domestic fast bowlers. UP Warriorz acquired her successfully, further strengthening their Indian talent roster.

Another surprise in the auction was Australian captain Alyssa Healy, who did not find a buyer in the marquee set.

Team Strategy and Completion of Squads

The five franchises filled most of their available slots rather successfully, rounding up well-rounded and exciting new squads.

• UP Warriorz: The Warriorz were the busiest of all, for they had the big purse to get key players like Deepti Sharma, Meg Lanning, Shikha Pandey, and Phoebe Litchfield. Their aggressive spending rebuilt the squad around their retained core.
• Gujarat Giants: The Giants did some strategic buys, securing the services of all-rounder Sophie Devine for INR 2 crore and strengthening their bowling attack by roping in Indian pacer Renuka Singh. They also used their RTM card effectively on players like Kashvee Gautam.
• Μumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals: On distinctly limited budgets, the two teams nevertheless managed some smart buys. Mumbai Indians recouped Amelia Kerr, whilst Delhi Capitals secured South African batter Laura Wolvaardt and West Indian all rounder Chinelle Henry to ensure that the supply of international match winners keeps coming.

The complete squads portend a very competitive WPL 2026 season, as every franchise is equipped with the firepower to challenge for the title. The strategy that the franchises made during this inaugural mega auction will define their success in the coming years.