Highest Paid Retentions In WPL 2026 Mega Auction is all set to become a defining moment for women’s cricket, but before the hammer falls, franchises have already made some powerful statements through their retentions. Among them, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Smriti Mandhana, and Ashleigh Gardner have emerged as the highest-paid retained players, each commanding a staggering ₹3.5 crore — a testament to their influence and dominance in the women’s game.
Highest Paid Retentions In WPL 2026: The Elite ₹3.5 Crore Club
1. Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians)
The English all-rounder continues to be the heartbeat of the Mumbai Indians Women’s team. Having played a crucial role in leading Mumbai to the 2025 WPL title, Sciver-Brunt’s consistency with both bat and ball has made her indispensable. She has scored crucial runs under pressure and delivered breakthroughs when it mattered most. Her ₹3.5 crore retention cements her as one of the most valuable players in global women’s cricket — and rightly so.
2. Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
India’s superstar opener Smriti Mandhana continues to shine as the face of RCB. With over 700 runs in just 30 matches, her elegant stroke play and leadership both on and off the field have been key to RCB’s resurgence. Retaining Mandhana for ₹3.5 crore was a no-brainer — she not only brings runs but also marketability, fan following, and inspiration for millions of young girls dreaming of donning the blue jersey.
3. Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants)
Australian powerhouse Ashleigh Gardner completes the elite trio. Known for her aggressive batting and sharp off-spin, Gardner is a complete T20 package. With 334 runs and 25 wickets in recent seasons, her all-round brilliance ensures Gujarat Giants have a proven match-winner in their ranks. Retaining her at ₹3.5 crore signals Gujarat’s intent to build around experience and firepower.
| Player | Franchise | Retention Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nat Sciver‑Brunt (MI) | Mumbai Indians Women | ₹ 3.50 crore |
| Smriti Mandhana (RCB) | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women | ₹ 3.50 crore |
| Ashleigh Gardner (GG) | Gujarat Giants Women | ₹ 3.50 crore |
The Value of Retention in WPL 2026
The WPL 2026 Mega Auction allows each team to retain up to five players, with a new twist — the Right to Match (RTM) card. This card enables franchises to bring back key released players by matching the highest bid. However, most top teams have already made their intentions clear by holding on to their star performers.
With the tournament growing in stature, these high-value retentions underline how the women’s game is rapidly moving towards professional parity. Just a few years ago, such sums were unheard of in women’s cricket. Today, they represent a new era of recognition and reward for talent and consistency.
What Lies Ahead
As the auction day approaches, the spotlight will shift to the remaining purse balances — with UP Warriorz (₹14.5 crore) and Gujarat Giants (₹9 crore) expected to make some blockbuster bids. But for now, all eyes are on the ₹3.5 crore stars who’ve proven that women’s cricket isn’t just about participation anymore — it’s about power, performance, and prestige.
The WPL 2026 retention list is a clear reflection of where women’s cricket stands today — ambitious, global, and fiercely competitive. Nat Sciver-Brunt, Smriti Mandhana, and Ashleigh Gardner are not just retained players; they’re the symbols of a sport in full bloom.
