WPL 2026: Discover the Complete Player Lineups for Every Team Following the Auction
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma made headlines at the 2026 WPL mega auction by becoming the most expensive signing of the day. The UP Warriorz exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain her for a staggering Rs 3.20 crore, positioning her as the second-highest-paid Indian in WPL history, just behind Smriti Mandhana. Other notable signings included New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, who was acquired by Mumbai Indians for Rs 3 crore, and veteran seamer Shikha Pandey, who was surprisingly picked up by UP Warriorz for Rs 2.40 crore despite not playing for India since 2023.
The auction saw several significant moves, with UP Warriorz leading the charge with the largest purse of Rs 14.5 crore. They not only retained Deepti Sharma but also brought back world No. 1 spinner Sophie Ecclestone for Rs 85 lakh. The franchise further bolstered its lineup by signing Asha Shobhana for Rs 1.10 crore and young Australian talent Phoebe Litchfield for Rs 1.20 crore. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals were aggressive in their bidding, securing Shree Charani for Rs 1.30 crore and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt for Rs 1.10 crore after a competitive bidding war.
Other franchises also made notable acquisitions. Mumbai Indians reinforced their squad with Amelia Kerr, who played a crucial role in their previous title victories. Gujarat Giants made headlines by signing Sophie Devine for Rs 2 crore and Renuka Singh for Rs 60 lakh. However, the biggest shock of the day came when Australian captain Alyssa Healy went unsold, along with fellow Australian Alana King, despite being highly regarded players.
Team Strategies and Player Retentions
UP Warriorz’s strategy of utilizing their RTM cards proved effective as they retained key players while also making strategic new signings. The team’s focus on retaining top talent like Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone indicates their ambition to maintain a competitive edge in the league. The franchise also added experienced players like Shikha Pandey, which could provide valuable depth to their bowling attack.
Delhi Capitals showcased their intent to build a strong squad by acquiring several high-profile players. Their successful bids for Charani and Wolvaardt highlight their strategy of blending experienced international talent with emerging players. The Capitals also added Chinelle Henry and Sneh Rana to their roster, further enhancing their squad depth.
Overall Auction Dynamics
The 2026 WPL auction concluded with a total of 67 players being sold across 77 available slots. The competitive nature of the bidding reflected the growing interest and investment in women’s cricket. Teams are increasingly willing to spend significant amounts to secure top talent, indicating a shift in the league’s dynamics. The auction not only highlighted the financial stakes involved but also the strategic planning teams are employing to build championship-contending rosters.
As the league progresses, the impact of these signings will be closely monitored, with fans eager to see how these players perform in the upcoming season. The excitement surrounding the WPL continues to grow, promising an engaging and competitive tournament ahead.
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