The WPL 2026 mega auction delivered a dramatic overhaul as all five franchises rebuilt their squads from scratch. The most headline-grabbing moment came when UP Warriorz secured star Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma for a massive ₹3.20 crore, making her the costliest buy of the event.
With this, she becomes the second-highest-paid Indian player in WPL history, narrowly behind Smriti Mandhana. The Warriorz dominated the auction room, signaling their intention to restore balance and depth after inconsistent earlier seasons.
Mumbai Indians also made a significant splash, grabbing New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr for ₹3 crore. The 25-year-old has been central to MI’s earlier title wins in 2023 and 2025, and her return gives the side a reliable all-round core.
In another bold move, UP Warriorz invested heavily in seasoned India pacer Shikha Pandey, paying ₹2.40 crore despite her last India appearance coming in 2023—a testament to her enduring value and leadership qualities.
Key International Stars Attract Big Numbers
Several foreign players were among the top earners of the evening. Gujarat Giants pulled off a powerful signing by acquiring Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore, adding explosive batting power and experience. Former Australian captain Meg Lanning, returning to top-flight cricket, found a new home at UP Warriorz for ₹1.90 crore.
Delhi Capitals strengthened their top order by picking up South African opener Laura Wolvaardt for ₹1.10 crore, while the Warriorz continued their aggressive approach by securing rising Australian talent Phoebe Litchfield for ₹1.20 crore.
The auction clearly showed teams prioritizing proven match-winners and versatile all-rounders capable of influencing games with both bat and ball. Squad compositions across teams now carry a more balanced mix of youth, leadership, and international flair.
Surprising Snubs and Unsold Players
While many players secured lucrative deals, the auction also witnessed unexpected results. The biggest shock came when Alyssa Healy, one of Australia’s most decorated cricketers and a celebrated WPL performer, went unsold. Her absence from the buyers’ list surprised fans and experts alike, given her experience, leadership, and track record in franchise cricket.
A sizable list of other players also failed to find takers, showcasing the competitive and strategic nature of this edition’s bidding. With teams rebuilding from zero, franchises made calculated choices aligned with their tactical plans, ultimately leaving several well-known names without contracts.
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