The Women’s Premier League 2026 player auction concluded in New Delhi, with franchises investing in 67 players to shape their squads. The high-stakes event, conducted by auctioneer Mallika Sagar, featured intense bidding wars, strategic RTM usage, and some surprising outcomes that will influence the upcoming season.
UP Warriorz made the most significant move, reacquiring star all-rounder Deepti Sharma for a hefty ₹3.20 crore through an RTM card, making her the most expensive player. Mumbai Indians secured the services of dynamic New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr for ₹3 crore. Contrasting these successes, Australian captain Alyssa Healy, listed at a base price of ₹50 lakh, surprisingly found no takers. The auction offered a comprehensive snapshot of player values and team strategies.
Looking ahead, the WPL 2026 season is slated to begin around January 8 or 9, with Mumbai and Baroda designated as the host cities. Matches will be held at prominent grounds, including the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, a site recently celebrated for the Indian women’s team’s ODI World Cup triumph. Baroda’s Kotambi Stadium is set to be the secondary venue, also preparing to host international fixtures shortly after.
