The WPL 2026 mega auction is set to redefine the landscape of women’s cricket, with franchises ready to strengthen squads and fans eagerly anticipating the biggest transfers. With retention rules, player categories, and team purse limits clearly outlined, this auction promises exciting surprises and strategic moves that could shape the 2026 season.
Retained Players and Strategic Decisions
Ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction, each franchise has been allowed to retain up to five players. Notably, defending champions Mumbai Indians retained a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talent. Retention choices are strategic, balancing star power with budget flexibility. This step ensures that key performers remain with their teams while opening opportunities for exciting new signings.
Delhi Capitals Go All-In With Five Retentions
The Delhi Capitals have used their full retention quota of five players, emphasizing stability and trust in their core lineup.
Annabel Sutherland leads their list with 482 runs and 22 wickets in 22 matches, continuing to prove her worth as a dependable all-rounder. Marizanne Kapp, with 423 runs and 18 wickets, adds world-class consistency to both batting and bowling.
Jemimah Rodrigues, the backbone of Delhi’s top order, stays after amassing 730 runs in 27 matches, while Shafali Verma continues as the explosive opener every team fears. Rising domestic star Niki Prasad, with 205 runs in 10 matches, completes Delhi’s squad, representing the team’s investment in youth.
Delhi will enter the WPL 2026 mega auction with ₹5.75 crore remaining.
BACK TO ROAR FOR DILLI 🐅💙 pic.twitter.com/m3nGGSMSLN
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) November 6, 2025
Mumbai Indians Retain Their Championship Core
Defending champions Mumbai Indians have retained all five players, keeping the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, who led them to the 2025 title. With 689 runs and 12 wickets across 29 matches, she remains the soul of the franchise.
All-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt stays on after another stellar season, while Amanjot Kaur, one of India’s rising stars, is retained following her breakthrough World Cup campaign. Hayley Matthews, a proven match-winner from the West Indies, and lower-order finisher G Kamalini complete Mumbai’s lineup.
Mumbai heads into the WPL 2026 mega auction with ₹5.75 crore in their purse.
RCB Stay Strategic With Four Retentions
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have opted for a balanced strategy, retaining four players while leaving room to rebuild at the auction.
Captain Smriti Mandhana, with 725 runs in 30 matches, remains the centerpiece of their plans. Ellyse Perry, another world-class all-rounder, adds experience with 410 runs and 25 wickets.
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh and off-spinner Shreyanka Patil round out the retained group, both showing impressive growth in recent seasons.
RCB will carry ₹6.25 crore and one RTM card into the auction.
Gujarat Giants Keep Faith in Their All-Round Stars
The Gujarat Giants have retained two international heavyweights: Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney.
Gardner’s 334 runs and 25 wickets make her one of the most complete players in the league, while Mooney’s calm batting presence at the top (470 runs) provides the Giants with reliability.
With ₹9 crore and three RTM cards in hand, Gujarat will be among the most active franchises in the WPL 2026 mega auction.
UP Warriorz Rely on Youth
The UP Warriorz surprised many by retaining just one player — young batter Shweta Sehrawat, who scored 210 runs in 10 matches. The team is clearly aiming for a rebuild, with ₹14.5 crore and four RTM cards available for auction day.
WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Retention Rules Explained
Under the new WPL 2026 mega auction policy, each franchise can retain:
- Up to 3 capped Indian players
- 2 overseas players
- 2 uncapped Indian players
If a team retains five players, at least one must be uncapped.
This season introduces the Right to Match (RTM) card, allowing franchises to reclaim one of their former players by matching the highest bid. This adds a strategic twist—teams can now bring back key performers without using a retention slot.
Purse Remaining:
- Delhi Capitals – ₹5.75 crore
- Mumbai Indians – ₹5.75 crore
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru – ₹6.25 crore
- Gujarat Giants – ₹9 crore
- UP Warriorz – ₹14.5 crore
The Road Ahead
The WPL 2026 mega auction is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in women’s cricket. With franchises balancing experienced campaigners and young stars, the strategy behind every bid will determine who dominates the upcoming season.
The addition of RTM cards promises even more surprises, ensuring that this year’s auction will be not just about money—but about smart planning, loyalty, and vision for the future.
