The spotlight at the WPL Auction naturally fell on Deepti Sharma, and the star India all-rounder lived up to the billing as UP Warriorz used their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain her for a massive ₹3.20 crore. With this, Deepti also became the first player from the UP franchise to cross the ₹3 crore mark, underlining her growing stature in women’s cricket.
The marquee set, featuring eight elite international names, triggered some of the fiercest bidding of the day. Gujarat Giants made an early statement by snapping up New Zealand power-hitter Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore. UP Warriorz, meanwhile, added leadership and experience by roping in Australian legend Meg Lanning for ₹1.90 crore after an intense tussle with Delhi Capitals.
Lanning’s reputation as the captain who guided DC to three straight finals made her one of the most valuable picks. Mumbai Indians continued their trend of backing proven match-winners, securing New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr — last season’s joint-highest wicket-taker — for ₹3 crore.
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UP Warriorz, who entered the auction with the largest purse of ₹14.5 crore, remained one of the busiest tables. They used their RTM card again to retain England’s left-arm spin star Sophie Ecclestone for ₹85 lakh, reinforcing a spin unit that has served them well.
🚨 𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 🚨
2025 World Cup Player of the Tournament winner Deepti Sharma will stay with UP Warriorz after being RTM’d by the franchise for ₹3.2 crore! 💛🏏#WPL2026 #WPLAuction #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/i7xWepdELT
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) November 27, 2025
Elsewhere, Delhi Capitals picked up South African opener Laura Wolvaardt for ₹1.10 crore, while Gujarat Giants invested ₹60 lakh in India pacer Renuka Singh. One of the biggest surprises came early: Australia captain Alyssa Healy, the first player to go under the hammer, went unsold, sending shockwaves through the room.
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The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League begins January 9 in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, moved forward to avoid a clash with the men’s T20 World Cup, which starts February 7. WPL Chairperson Jayesh George confirmed that the league will once again follow the caravan model. The opening leg will be played at DY Patil Stadium before shifting to Vadodara, with the final set for February 5. Mumbai Indians head into the tournament as defending champions and the team to beat yet again.
