The excitement in women’s cricket is palpable as the 277 players for 73 WPL spots mega auction approaches for the 2026 season. Scheduled for November 27 in New Delhi, this auction promises to be a fierce contest where star power, emerging talent, and strategic team decisions will converge to shape the next chapter of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
With more than three times the number of players than available spots, competition is fierce and every bid counts. Here’s a closer look at the facts, marquee players, and what this mega auction means for the future of women’s cricket.
The Pool Breakdown
The 277-player list includes an impressive mix of established stars and promising newcomers from across the globe.
- Indian players: 194 total, with 52 capped and 142 uncapped, competing for a majority of 50 slots.
- Overseas players: 83 in total, including 66 capped and 17 uncapped players vying for 23 spots.
This diverse pool reflects the growth and globalization of women’s cricket, showcasing talent from traditional powerhouses and emerging cricket nations alike.
277 Players for 73 WPL Spots: Marquee Names to Watch
The marquee player set features eight of the world’s finest:
- Deepti Sharma (India)
- Renuka Singh (India)
- Sophie Devine (New Zealand)
- Sophie Ecclestone (England)
- Alyssa Healy (Australia)
- Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)
- Meg Lanning (Australia)
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
Most marquee players have set their base price at ₹50 lakh, except Renuka Singh and Laura Wolvaardt, who are slightly lower.
277 Players for 73 WPL Spots: Auction Dynamics and Budgets
The franchises have varying budgets, affecting their ability to compete for top players and balanced squad building:
- UP Warriorz: Highest budget with Rs 14.50 crore, aiming to rebuild after retaining one player
- Gujarat Giants: Rs 9 crore budget, with three retention slots
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rs 6.15 crore, holding four retentions
- Mumbai Indians: Rs 5.75 crore, two-time champions with five retentions
- Delhi Capitals: Rs 5.70 crore, with no retentions
Each franchise must strategically utilize their purse, retention options, and Right To Match (RTM) cards to assemble the strongest sixteen to eighteen-player squads.
277 Players for 73 WPL Spots: What to Expect
- Intense bidding for marquee and uncapped stars
- High competition among uncapped Indian players to break through
- Overseas players’ impact on game strategies and squad balance
- Surprises and breakout stars emerging to the forefront
- Strategic use of RTM and purse control to retain core team strength
The WPL auction remains pivotal to women’s cricket growth by spotlighting talent in a global cricketing marketplace.
Team Strategy: Money, RTMs, and the Scramble to Rebuild
The financial dynamics of the auction are shaped by the retention decisions, which left teams with vastly different budgets and strategic options.
| Team | Retained Players | Remaining Purse (INR) | RTM Cards Available | Strategic Need |
| UP Warriorz (UPW) | 1 (Shweta Sehrawat) | ₹14.50 Crore (Highest) | 4 (Maximum) | Captaincy, Overseas Stars (Lanning, Healy, Deepti) |
| Gujarat Giants (GG) | 2 (Gardner, Mooney) | ₹9.00 Crore | 3 | Indian Middle-Order, Fast Bowling |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 4 (Mandhana, Ghosh, Perry, Patil) | ₹6.15 Crore | 1 | Versatile Overseas All-rounder |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 5 (Maximum) | ₹5.75 Crore | 0 | Depth, Backup Indian Players |
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | 5 (Maximum) | ₹5.70 Crore** (Lowest) | 0 | Backup Overseas Wicketkeeper/Pacer |
Ambition, Dreams, and The Gavel
Behind every bid is a human story. For the 277 players for 73 WPL spots, the auction is a day of intense anxiety. Young cricketers huddle with their families, watching a small screen, where minutes can determine their financial future. The silence in the room before the gavel falls, the sudden explosive lift of a paddle, and the collective gasp when the hammer finally drops are moments of pure, unscripted drama.
The sight of global leaders like Meg Lanning being bought and sold underscores the WPL’s status as a top-tier sporting league. But the real emotional core is found in the uncapped players—the 142 Indian players—who represent the grassroots of Indian cricket, dreaming of a chance to prove they belong alongside the world champions.
The WPL 2026 Mega Auction, scheduled for November 27, promises to be the most competitive and emotionally charged yet. While it will grant life-altering opportunities to 73 athletes, the reality of 277 players for 73 WPL spots means many dreams will be deferred, underscoring the fierce competition required to make it in the world of professional cricket.
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