The Countdown Begins: Who Will Be the Highest-paid WPL player In 2026??
The TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) has rapidly transformed the landscape of women’s cricket, not just with its thrilling on-field action but also with the life-changing auction dynamics. With the highly anticipated WPL mega auction for the 2026 season scheduled for November 26-27, 2025, the entire cricket fraternity is buzzing with one major question: Who Will Be the Highest-paid WPL player In 2026? Since the league’s inception, Indian batting star Smriti Mandhana has held the coveted title of the highest-paid player, having been bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for a staggering ₹3.40 crore in the inaugural auction. As teams prepare to rebuild their squads with a ₹15 crore purse, the stage is set for a fierce bidding war that could see a new name rise to the top or Mandhana solidifying her position.
The Reigning Queen: Smriti Mandhana’s Benchmark
Smriti Mandhana’s ₹3.40 crore price tag has been the benchmark of excellence and market value in the WPL. Her blend of explosive opening batting and leadership, which culminated in leading RCB to the title in 2024, justifies her premier status. She remains one of the most marketable faces in world cricket, making her a prized asset. However, with a mega auction on the horizon, every player’s recent performance and future potential will be under the microscope, opening the door for new contenders. Who Will Be the Highest-paid WPL player In 2026?
Unveiling the Contenders: Who Will Join the Highest-Paid Player in the TATA WPL Auction 2026?
The 2026 mega auction presents a unique opportunity for a complete squad overhaul, meaning several global superstars and emerging talents could command massive price tags. Let’s break down the top candidates who could challenge for the top spot.
The Established Global Superstars
These are the players with proven track records who consistently deliver on the biggest stages. While they already command high salaries, their exceptional all-round abilities could push their value even higher in a mega auction.
- Ashleigh Gardner (Australia): The powerful all-rounder was one of the most expensive players in the inaugural auction, secured by Gujarat Giants for ₹3.20 crore. Her ability to win matches with both bat and ball makes her a prime candidate to breach the ₹3.5 crore mark.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (England): Matching Gardner’s price tag of ₹3.20 crore, the Mumbai Indians star is arguably one of the best all-rounders in the world. Her consistency and ability to perform under pressure are invaluable assets that franchises will be willing to pay a premium for.
- Deepti Sharma (India): A crafty spinner and a dependable lower-order batter, Deepti was the Player of the Tournament in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, taking 22 wickets and scoring 215 runs. After being released by UP Warriorz, she enters the auction as perhaps the most sought-after Indian player, with her price of ₹2.60 crore looking set for a significant increase.
The International Game-Changers
Recent international performances, especially in the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, will heavily influence the auction. Several overseas players have made an undeniable case for a massive payday.
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa): The elegant right-hander was the undisputed star of the 2025 World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with a phenomenal 571 runs. Her record-breaking performance has undoubtedly put her on every team’s wishlist, and she could spark a bidding frenzy.
- Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka): Known for her fearless and aggressive batting, Athapaththu has been a consistent performer in T20 leagues around the world. Her ability to single-handedly change the course of a game makes her a high-value target for any franchise looking for an explosive opener.
- Annabel Sutherland (Australia): Already in the elite ₹2.00 crore club, the young Australian all-rounder’s stock continues to rise. Her impressive performances with both bat and ball, including a five-wicket haul in the 2025 World Cup, make her a hot prospect for a long-term investment.
The Rising Indian Brigade
The WPL has been a phenomenal platform for Indian talent, and the 2026 auction could see a new generation of Indian stars entering the top salary bracket.
- Jemimah Rodrigues & Shafali Verma (India): The dynamic Delhi Capitals duo, bought for ₹2.20 crore and ₹2.00 crore respectively, are central to India’s T20 plans. Their youth, experience, and explosive potential could see their values soar as teams look to build a core for the future.
- Richa Ghosh (India): A fearless wicketkeeper-batter known for her finishing skills and incredible strike rate, Ghosh is a rare commodity. Her ability to hit big from ball one is a skill that teams will not hesitate to spend big on.
- Kranti Gaud (India): One of the breakout stars of the 2025 World Cup, this young bowler’s spectacular rise has caught everyone’s attention. Her match-winning spells for India showcased her immense potential. Following in the footsteps of uncapped players like Kashvee Gautam (₹2.00 crore) and Simran Shaikh (₹1.90 crore) who fetched huge sums in previous auctions, Gaud could be the surprise package of 2026.
What Factors Will Drive the Bids?
Several key factors will determine who hits the jackpot in the TATA WPL auction 2026:
- All-Round Prowess: Players like Deepti Sharma, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Ashleigh Gardner, who can contribute significantly in multiple departments, are worth their weight in gold.
- Recent Form: Stellar performances in the 2025 season and the recent World Cup will be fresh in the minds of team owners and analysts.
- Future Potential: Young, dynamic players like Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, and Australia’s Georgia Voll represent long-term investments and could attract massive bids from teams looking to build for the future.
- Scarcity of Skills: Power-hitters, genuine fast bowlers, and wicketkeeper-batters are always in high demand, which naturally drives up their auction price.
Who Will Be the Highest-paid WPL player In 2026? As the auction date nears, the strategies will be finalized and the paddles will be ready. While Smriti Mandhana holds the crown for now, the 2026 TATA WPL mega auction is perfectly poised to anoint a new financial queen of women’s cricket. Whether it’s a proven all-rounder, a record-breaking batter, or a young Indian prodigy, the race to the top promises to be as thrilling as the league itself.
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