The upcoming mega auction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) set for early 2026 in New Delhi is shaping up to be a major event — and some of the biggest names in women’s cricket are expected to attract significant bids. International stars such as Laura Wolvaardt and India’s own iconic all-rounder Deepti Sharma are slated to go under the hammer, and their presence alone is set to heighten interest dramatically.
With franchises eager to bolster their squads for the new season, players with proven records at the highest level are sure to draw strong competition.
Home-Grown Talent Ready for Big Moments
While international names are headline-makers, India’s rising players are also firmly in the spotlight. Following India’s historic World Cup success, young stars like Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani are expected to leverage that momentum to land lucrative deals.
Their performances have brought them into the conversation alongside the established stars. Meanwhile, other Indian players such as Harleen Deol, Renuka Singh and Sneh Rana are also drawing interest and may be in line for strong offers when the bidding begins.
Auction Dynamics and Team Strategy
A total of 277 players — 194 Indians and 83 overseas — will be available at the auction, while five franchises will vie to fill up to 73 slots (comprising 50 Indian and 23 overseas players). The minimum squad size is 15 and the maximum is 18. One franchise in particular, the UP Warriorz, enters the auction with the largest purse (₹14.5 crore) since it retained just one player. In contrast, the Delhi Capitals have the smallest available budget (₹5.70 crore).
In addition to high-profile internationals like retired Australian captain Meg Lanning, current Australian skipper Alyssa Healy, England spinner Sophie Ecclestone, New Zealand all-rounders Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr and South African skipper Wolvaardt, teams are also eyeing emerging players from associate nations, including those from UAE, USA and Thailand. The tournament is expected to kick off around January 7, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to women’s domestic franchise cricket.
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