Wpl auction: In a landmark moment for women’s cricket, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) hosted its first-ever mega auction in New Delhi, setting a new benchmark for investment, excitement, and global interest in women’s T20 leagues. With fierce bidding wars, unexpected twists, surprise unsold players, and strategic Right-to-Match (RTM) moves, the Wpl auction delivered on every expectation—ushering in a new era of financial empowerment and recognition for female cricketers.
Across five franchises—UP Warriorz, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gujarat Giants—the competitive spirit was visible from the opening session. By the end of the day, franchises had collectively spent ₹25.15 crore on 27 players, with a remarkable 58% of the total amount flowing to overseas players.
But the biggest headline of the night unquestionably belonged to India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who became the most expensive player of the Wpl auction, sold to UP Warriorz for ₹3.20 crore after an intense, dramatic bidding exchange.
Deepti Sharma Becomes Highest-Paid Player of the WPL Mega Auction
The most gripping moment of the auction came during the bidding for Deepti Sharma, one of India’s premier all-rounders. Initially, Delhi Capitals opened the bid at ₹50 lakh, appearing confident in securing her without major competition.
However, the UP Warriorz stepped in with their RTM (Right to Match) card, instantly heating up the contest. Delhi Capitals responded by dramatically escalating the price—an aggressive move that surprised many in the room. In a stunning jump, Delhi raised their bid straight to ₹3.20 crore, attempting to outplay UP in one stroke.
The Warriorz did not back down. Using the RTM card strategically, they matched the price and ultimately secured Deepti for ₹3.20 crore, making her the highest-paid player of the Wpl auction and one of the most valuable players in women’s franchise cricket today.
Major International Stars Command Big Money
The auction reaffirmed global franchises’ confidence in established overseas performers.
- Amelia Kerr (New Zealand) emerged as the second-most expensive player, joining Mumbai Indians for ₹3 crore. The all-rounder’s consistency with both bat and ball made her one of the most sought-after names.
- Sophie Devine (New Zealand) was picked up by Gujarat Giants for ₹2 crore, reflecting her match-winning potential and vast experience.
- Australian captain Meg Lanning, who guided Delhi to three WPL finals, was acquired by UP Warriorz for ₹1.90 crore, signaling UP’s intention to bring leadership stability into the squad.
- West Indies star Shamilia Henry and India’s own Sri Charani both secured impressive contracts worth ₹1.30 crore each with Delhi Capitals.
- Australian rising star Phoebe Litchfield fetched ₹1.20 crore from UP Warriorz, solidifying her status as one of modern cricket’s brightest young talents.
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) was picked up by Delhi Capitals for ₹1.10 crore, adding top-order firepower to their batting.
In total, 8 players crossed the ₹1 crore mark, including 6 overseas stars and only 2 Indian players, highlighting the global dominance in the women’s T20 circuit.
Unexpected Start: Alyssa Healy Goes Unsold
In a surprising turn during the opening minutes of the Wpl auction, Australian great Alyssa Healy, one of the world’s most experienced wicketkeeper-batters, went unsold in the first round.
Her base price and the timing of the bid possibly impacted the franchises’ decisions. However, many believe she may be reconsidered in future rounds or seasons.
UP Warriorz Make Strong Moves: Shikha Pandey Bought for ₹2.40 Crore
One of the boldest purchases came when UP Warriorz secured veteran pacer Shikha Pandey for ₹2.40 crore. The Warriorz clearly focused on building a balanced, well-rounded team by investing in:
- An elite all-rounder (Deepti Sharma)
- A world-class leader (Meg Lanning)
- A seasoned Indian pacer (Shikha Pandey)
They further strengthened their squad by picking up several young and uncapped talents across the accelerator rounds.
Accelerator Rounds: Key Highlights and Major Buys
The accelerator rounds played a crucial role in wrapping up the Wpl auction, as teams targeted specific skillsets to fill their remaining slots.
Last Accelerator Round Highlights
Major purchases included:
- Millie Illingworth: Mumbai Indians bought the Australian youngster for ₹10 lakh.
- Pratyusha Kumar: RCB added her to their squad for ₹10 lakh.
- Danni Wyatt Hodge: Bought by Gujarat for ₹50 lakh.
- Minnu Mani: Signed by Delhi Capitals for ₹40 lakh.
- Pratika Rawal: Acquired by UP Warriorz for ₹50 lakh.
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad: Gujarat secured her for ₹40 lakh.
- Dayalan Hemalatha: RCB picked her up for ₹30 lakh.
- Ayushi Soni: Bagged by Gujarat for ₹30 lakh.
Third Accelerator Round: Sajeevan and Sayaka Ishaq Among Top Moves
- S. Meghana remained unsold—a surprise given her domestic form.
- Saika Ishaque was bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹30 lakh.
- G. Trisha joined UP Warriorz for ₹10 lakh.
Triveni Vashisht, Suman Meena, Gautami Naik Among Other Signings
- Mumbai Indians bought Triveni Vashisht for ₹20 lakh.
- UP Warriorz added Suman Meena, also for ₹20 lakh.
- RCB signed Gautami Naik for ₹10 lakh.
- Mumbai acquired Nala Reddy for ₹10 lakh.
USA’s Tara Norris Joins UPW
In a notable international addition, Tara Norris from the USA was bought by UP Warriorz for ₹10 lakh, strengthening their pace-bowling options.
Mumbai Indians Continue Strategic Low-Budget Picks
- Poonam Khemnar joined MI for ₹10 lakh.
- Shivani Singh went to Gujarat Giants for ₹10 lakh.
Gujarat Giants Strengthen with Kim Garth and Yastika Bhatia
The Giants invested strategically by purchasing:
- Kim Garth (Australia) for ₹50 lakh
- Yastika Bhatia (India) for ₹50 lakh
RCB Makes a Strong Comeback: Grace Harris Bought for ₹75 Lakh
In a dramatic twist, Australian power-hitter Grace Harris, who initially went unsold, was later picked up by RCB for ₹75 lakh, adding significant middle-order strength.
Second Accelerator Round: Many Slots Still Open
At the beginning of the second accelerator round:
- At least 18 slots were still available
- Teams had a combined purse of ₹6.85 crore remaining
RCB and Gujarat remained active in this phase.
More Notable Buys Across Rounds
- Nicola Carey joined Mumbai Indians for ₹30 lakh.
- Gujarat secured Anushka Sharma, and made a big signing by acquiring Georgia Wareham for ₹1 crore.
- Mumbai Indians picked Rahila Firdaus from MP for ₹10 lakh.
- Gujarat added Kanika Ahuja (₹30 lakh) and Tanuja Kanwar (₹45 lakh).
Big Names Continue to Move: Sajana Sajeevan and Pooja Vastrakar
- Sajana Sajeevan went to Mumbai Indians for ₹75 lakh.
- Indian all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar joined RCB for ₹85 lakh, after previously playing for Mumbai.
Right-to-Match Drama: Kashvee Gautam Retained by Gujarat
UP Warriorz placed a ₹65 lakh bid for Kashvee Gautam, but Gujarat Giants used their RTM card to retain her at the same price.
Major RTM Move: Deandra Dottin Joins UP Warriorz for ₹80 Lakh
West Indian powerhouse Deandra Dottin became one of the surprise high-value picks of the accelerator rounds.
WPL Spending Breakdown: 58% Money Goes to Overseas Players
- Total players bought: 27
- Total spending: ₹25.15 crore
- Indian players: ₹10.45 crore
- Overseas players: ₹14.70 crore
(≈ 58% of the total spending)
This clearly shows teams’ reliance on overseas experience.
Ninth Set: All Players Go Unsold
In the ninth set featuring uncapped wicketkeepers, all five players remained unsold due to lack of franchise interest.
Other Key Moves and Reactions
- RCB used RTM to retain Prema Rawat for ₹20 lakh.
- MI bought Sanskruti Gupta for ₹20 lakh.
- Delhi signed Diya Yadav for ₹10 lakh, the only player bought from the seventh set.
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal stated that the franchise focused on strengthening the lower order this year, adding players like Shamilia Henry for finishing power.
Also read: Abhishek Sharma Makes History with Record-Breaking Century in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
UP Warriorz Continue Spending: Asha Sobhana Bought for ₹1.10 Crore
Indian all-rounder Asha Sobhana became another million-plus signing for UP Warriorz. They secured her for ₹1.10 crore.
Meanwhile, RCB added England’s Linsey Smith for her base price of ₹30 lakh.
Fast Bowlers in Demand
The pace bowler set witnessed aggressive bidding:
- RCB bought Lauren Bell for ₹90 lakh.
- Darcie Brown surprisingly went unsold.
- UPW retained Kranthi Gaur using an RTM card.
Wicketkeeper Set Concludes
- Delhi picked Lizelle Lee for ₹30 lakh.
- Several big names, including Amy Jones and Uma Chetry, remained unsold.
Set 3: Delhi Dominates with Multiple Signings
Delhi Capitals acquired:
- Shamilia Henry
- Sneh Rana
- Sri Charani
Meanwhile,
- UPW picked Harleen Deol
- RCB added Radha Yadav and Nadine de Klerk
Phoebe Litchfield Seals ₹1.20 Crore Deal with UPW
Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield attracted strong interest. While RCB opened the bidding, they backed out midway, leaving UPW to grab her for ₹1.20 crore.
Conclusion: A Revolution in Women’s Cricket
The first-ever Wpl auction has rewritten the financial landscape of women’s cricket. With soaring bids, intense competition, and bold strategic moves, the mega auction showcased the rapid commercial rise of the women’s game.
From Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking deal to emerging players getting life-changing opportunities, the WPL has proven that women’s cricket is now a global sporting force with massive commercial appeal.
The inaugural mega auction will be remembered not just for its numbers, but for the shift it represents—elevating women’s cricket into a new era of professional respect, financial investment, and worldwide attention.
