The WPL 2026 mega auction in New Delhi has emerged as one of the most intense and closely followed events in women’s cricket, with all five franchises rebuilding their squads from scratch. With a massive lineup of 277 players up for bidding and only 73 slots available, including 23 coveted overseas positions, the tension inside the auction hall was palpable. The event draws even more attention as many members of India’s 2025 World Cup–winning team, such as Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud and Pratika Rawal, entered the auction pool. Overseas giants including Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr and Laura Wolvaardt added further excitement as franchises prepared to restructure their cores.
Gujarat Giants set the tone early with an aggressive bid for Sophie Devine, securing her for Rs 2 crore. However, the most dramatic moment came when UP Warriorz used their RTM to retain star all-rounder Deepti Sharma for Rs 3.2 crore, immediately becoming one of the buzzworthy signings of the day. Mumbai Indians strengthened their already powerful lineup by acquiring Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore, while Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru focused on strategic picks aimed at improving balance rather than chasing marquee names blindly.
UP Warriorz also made a strong statement by purchasing Meg Lanning for Rs 1.90 crore, adding championship experience and unmatched leadership. Delhi Capitals picked up South African opener Laura Wolvaardt for Rs 1.10 crore. Indian youngsters continued to shine, with Shree Charani being bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 1.30 crore and Kranti Gowd returning to UP Warriorz through RTM for Rs 50 lakh. Speedster Renuka Singh Thakur found a new home with Gujarat Giants for Rs 60 lakh, boosting their seam attack.
Yet the auction was not without surprises. Some of the biggest global names, including Alyssa Healy, Grace Harris, Tazmin Brits, Phoebe Litchfield and Amanda-Jade Wellington, went unsold in the first round, raising eyebrows across the cricketing community. Analysts believe teams entered this auction with very specific role-based strategies rather than fan-driven buys, focusing on matchups, conditions, and player versatility.
The combination of unexpected unsold stars, emotional returns, record bids and calculated tactics has made the WPL 2026 auction one of the most unpredictable yet captivating events in women’s league cricket. As teams finalize their new squads, fans are eager to witness how these revamped lineups perform when the season begins, promising high drama, new rivalries, and elevated standards in the world’s premier women’s T20 league.
