The Women's Premier League 2026 auction concluded with several dramatic moments as franchises battled it out to secure top talent for the upcoming season. The auction, held on November 27, 2025, saw established stars and emerging talents finding new homes while some surprising names went unsold.
Major Buys and Surprise Picks
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma emerged as one of the most expensive purchases of the auction, commanding a massive price that reflected her consistent performances in domestic and international cricket. The bidding war for Sharma saw multiple franchises competing aggressively before she finally found a team.
International stars also attracted significant attention, with Australian captain Meg Lanning securing a lucrative deal despite her recent retirement from international cricket. Her compatriot Alyssa Healy also found a team willing to invest heavily in her explosive batting and wicketkeeping skills.
Young sensation Phoebe Litchfield, the promising Australian batter, generated substantial interest among franchises looking to build for the future. South African opener Laura Wolvaardt's classical batting style also earned her a spot in one of the teams.
Notable Unsold Players and Surprises
The auction room witnessed several surprising moments as some established names failed to find buyers. Multiple international players went unsold, indicating franchises' strategic focus on specific roles and team composition requirements.
Several Indian domestic players also remained unpurchased, highlighting the competitive nature of the auction process. Franchises appeared to have clear strategies about the type of players they wanted to complement their existing squads.
Team Strategies and Budget Management
Different franchises approached the auction with varying strategies. Some teams focused on strengthening their batting lineups, while others prioritized bowling reinforcements. The balance between experienced international stars and promising domestic talent was a key consideration for all teams.
Budget management played a crucial role in decision-making, with franchises carefully allocating their funds to secure the best possible combinations. Several teams entered the auction with specific slots to fill and stuck to their plans despite tempting alternatives.
The complete list of sold players includes detailed information about their purchasing teams and the prices they commanded. Similarly, the unsold players list reveals which categories of players failed to attract bids, providing insights into current market trends in women's cricket.
With the auction concluded, teams now have their final squads and will begin preparations for the Women's Premier League 2026 season. The combinations formed during this auction are expected to create an exciting and competitive tournament that will showcase the growing talent in women's cricket globally.
