New Delhi witnessed a crescendo of anticipation, strategic bidding, and outright shock as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction concluded. While teams meticulously crafted their squads for the upcoming season, starting in January, the day will undoubtedly be remembered for two contrasting narratives: India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma etching her name in history with a colossal bid, and the astounding sight of Australian stalwart Alyssa Healy going unsold.

Deepti Sharma’s Record-Breaking Haul and UP Warriorz’ Bold Move

The spotlight shone brightest on Deepti Sharma, who became the most expensive player of the WPL 2026 mega auction, snapped up by UP Warriorz for a staggering Rs 3.2 crore. This monumental figure not only underscored her immense value as a world-class all-rounder but also created a new benchmark in women’s cricket. Sharma, fresh from her ‘Player of the Tournament’ performance at the Women’s World Cup 2025, achieved the unprecedented feat of becoming the first woman cricketer to command more than Rs 2.5 crore in two separate WPL auctions. Her previous high-value acquisition also came from the UP Warriorz, highlighting their unwavering faith in her capabilities. The RTM (Right to Match) drama surrounding her acquisition, where Delhi Capitals initially won her at a base price of Rs 50 lakh only for UP Warriorz to match a subsequent Rs 3.2 crore bid, added a layer of intensity to her sale, demonstrating just how coveted she was.

UP Warriorz, entering the auction with the largest purse of Rs 14.5 crore and a significant rebuilding task after retaining only Shweta Sehrawat, certainly made their intentions clear. Coached by Abhishek Nayar, their aggressive bidding strategy saw them assemble a formidable squad, including other major buys like legendary Australian batter Meg Lanning (Rs 1.9 crore), English spinner Sophie Ecclestone (retained via RTM for Rs 85 lakh), promising Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield (Rs 1.2 crore), and experienced Indian pacer Shikha Pandey (Rs 2.4 crore). The franchise’s focus on a ‘good mix of youth, experience and quality’ positions them as strong contenders for the WPL 2026 title.

The Overseas Powerhouses: Kerr and Devine Command High Prices

Beyond Deepti Sharma, the auction saw significant investment in top-tier overseas talent. New Zealand’s dynamic all-rounder Amelia Kerr was re-acquired by Mumbai Indians for Rs 3 crore. Despite MI being unable to retain her initially, her consistent all-round heroics in previous seasons made her an undeniable priority, showcasing MI’s commitment to securing their core. Similarly, her compatriot Sophie Devine, another impactful all-rounder, fetched Rs 2 crore, going to Gujarat Giants after a bidding war with Delhi Capitals. These high prices reflect the premium placed on players who can contribute with both bat and ball, offering crucial balance and match-winning performances in the T20 format.

Shockwaves: High-Profile Stars Go Unsold

Perhaps the biggest talking point of the auction, sending ripples through the cricketing world, was the surprising sight of several high-profile players failing to attract bids. Leading this unexpected list was Australia’s experienced wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy. Despite being a formidable opener with a proven track record, Healy, the first player to go under the hammer, remained unsold at her base price of Rs 50 lakh. This outcome left many puzzled, prompting questions about team strategies, purse management, and the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket where perhaps age or recent form (though not explicitly mentioned in the source as a reason) might have played a subtle role in franchise calculations.

The list of unsold marquee players extended beyond Healy, creating further shocks. England’s Amy Jones and Heather Knight, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, and even India’s Women’s World Cup 2025-winning star Uma Chetry, all failed to find suitors initially. While some of these players might find berths as replacement players during the season, their initial omission underscores the brutal nature of a mega auction where strategic decisions, squad balance, and financial prudence often outweigh individual reputation.

Other Key Indian Buys and RTM Strategies

The demand for Indian talent, especially those fresh from the Women’s World Cup 2025 triumph, was palpable. Shikha Pandey’s Rs 2.4 crore acquisition by UP Warriorz made her the second-most expensive Indian buy. Delhi Capitals secured the services of Women’s World Cup winners Shree Charani (Rs 1.3 crore) and Sneh Rana (Rs 50 lakh), while RCB picked up Radha Yadav for Rs 65 lakh. The auction also highlighted the strategic use of Right to Match (RTM) cards. Gujarat Giants used an RTM to re-sign Kashvee Gautam for Rs 65 lakh, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru utilized theirs for uncapped all-rounder Prema Rawat (Rs 20 lakh). This crucial auction mechanism allowed teams to retain key players they couldn’t secure through direct bidding, often leading to exciting bidding wars.

The fate of other Indian World Cup winners was mixed; while players like Kranti Gaud (UPW, Rs 50 lakh) and Arundhati Reddy (RCB, Rs 75 lakh) were picked up, Pratika Rawal, another Women’s World Cup 2025 star, went unsold in initial phases, likely due to a long-term injury ruling her out of WPL 2026. However, she was eventually picked up by UP Warriorz at her base price of Rs 50 lakh, showing a calculated risk by the franchise.

Team Strategies Unfold: A Glance at Each Franchise

• UP Warriorz: Clearly the most aggressive, ending with the costliest buy in Deepti Sharma and assembling a potent mix of experience (Lanning, Ecclestone, Shikha) and youth (Litchfield). Their strategic use of RTMs for Deepti and Ecclestone was pivotal.
• Mumbai Indians: Retaining their core five, MI fought hard to bring back Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore. They also made smart late buys, including Saika Ishaque for Rs 30 lakh, demonstrating a clear focus on strengthening their already successful squad.
• Delhi Capitals: With five retentions and no RTMs, DC focused on securing key overseas (Laura Wolvaardt for Rs 1.1 crore, Chinelle Henry for Rs 1.3 crore) and Indian talents (Shree Charani, Sneh Rana, Taniya Bhatia). Their highest buys were joint for Chinelle Henry and Shree Charani at Rs 1.3 crore each.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Having retained four players including Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry, RCB made their first buy with Australia’s Georgia Voll (Rs 60 lakh) and later splashed Rs 90 lakh on English pacer Lauren Bell, Grace Harris (Rs 75 lakh), and Pooja Vastrakar (Rs 85 lakh).
• Gujarat Giants: With the highest number of slots to fill (16) initially, GG made significant purchases, securing Sophie Devine for Rs 2 crore and Australian leg-spinner Georgia Wareham for Rs 1 crore. They also brought back Kashvee Gautam using an RTM.

The Road Ahead for WPL 2026

The WPL 2026 Mega Auction has drawn its curtains, with 67 players finding new homes and new challenges. The intense bidding wars, the strategic RTM usage, and the shocking unsold status of cricketing titans have all contributed to an unforgettable day. As the teams fine-tune their strategies and players prepare for the season opener in January, the WPL promises another captivating chapter of women’s cricket. The dynamic mix of established stars and uncapped talent, meticulously assembled during this auction, sets the stage for a fiercely competitive and enthralling tournament, further cementing the WPL’s status as a premier women’s sporting event.

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