The Women's Premier League 2026 mega auction concluded with unprecedented excitement and record-breaking deals, setting the stage for an electrifying season ahead. The intense bidding war saw 276 talented cricketers competing for only 73 available spots across five franchises, making this one of the most competitive player acquisitions in the tournament's history.
Record-Breaking Bids Dominate Auction
The auction room witnessed high drama as franchises engaged in fierce bidding battles for top players. Deepti Sharma emerged as the most expensive player in the entire auction when UP Warriorz used their Right To Match card to secure her services for an astounding ₹3.2 crore. This represents a massive 540% increase from her previous salary of ₹50 lakh, highlighting her rising stature in women's cricket.
Mumbai Indians made a significant statement by successfully retaining New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr for ₹3 crore, tripling her earlier contract. The franchise demonstrated their faith in the talented player by making her one of the top acquisitions of the day.
Complete Team Squads Revealed
After the dust settled from the intense bidding process, all five franchises finalized their squads for the upcoming season. The team compositions showcase a blend of international stars and promising domestic talent.
Mumbai Indians will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur and feature a powerful lineup including Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, and their prized retention Amelia Kerr. The team has strengthened their bowling attack with the addition of Shabnim Ismail.
Delhi Capitals, under the leadership of Jemimah Rodrigues, boast a formidable batting order with Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, and Lizelle Lee. Their all-round capabilities are enhanced by the presence of Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, captained by Smriti Mandhana, have assembled a balanced squad featuring international stars like Ellyse Perry and Grace Harris. The team has bolstered their bowling with the acquisition of Pooja Vastrakar and Lauren Bell.
Gujarat Giants, led by Ashleigh Gardner, have secured explosive batters including Sophie Devine and Danni Wyatt-Hodge. Their bowling department looks strong with Renuka Singh Thakur and Titas Sadhu in their ranks.
UP Warriorz made the biggest splash in the auction by securing Deepti Sharma and former Australian captain Meg Lanning. The franchise also added Shikha Pandey to their bowling arsenal, creating a well-rounded team for the competition.
Top Five Most Expensive Players
The auction produced several headline-grabbing deals that reflected the growing financial muscle and competitive nature of the Women's Premier League. The top five purchases demonstrate franchises' strategic priorities for the upcoming season.
Following Deepti Sharma's record-breaking deal, Amelia Kerr secured the second-highest bid at ₹3 crore from Mumbai Indians. UP Warriorz continued their spending spree by acquiring Shikha Pandey for ₹2.4 crore, recognizing her as India's most successful WPL bowler.
Gujarat Giants made a significant investment in Sophie Devine at ₹2 crore, valuing her vast T20 experience. The former Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning completed the top five when UP Warriorz secured her services for ₹1.9 crore after a bidding war involving five franchises.
The WPL 2026 mega auction has set the stage for an intensely competitive season with franchises having assembled their dream teams. The substantial financial investments in women cricketers signal the growing commercial success and popularity of the tournament, promising thrilling cricket action for fans worldwide.
