Get ready for an exciting cricket event! The WPL 2026 mega auction is coming to New Delhi on November 27, and it's going to be a game-changer for women's cricket. This auction follows the recent release of the Women's Premier League retention list, which has set the stage for an intense bidding war.
Each team participating in the WPL 2026 auction will have the opportunity to construct a squad of up to 18 players. With 73 slots available, including 23 spots for overseas players, the competition to secure the best talent is fierce.
The UP Warriorz find themselves in a unique position, having retained only one player, Shweta Sehrawat, an uncapped talent. They will have the largest budget and four Right To Match (RTM) options at their disposal, giving them a significant advantage in the auction.
On the other hand, the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, led by the talented Harmanpreet Kaur, and the consistent Delhi Capitals, who have kept Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, have retained five players each. However, they will enter the auction without any RTM options, making their strategy crucial.
The WPL has a history of attracting high-value bids, and this auction promises to be no different. Smriti Mandhana, the current holder of the most expensive player tag in WPL history, is a prime example. Royal Challengers Bengaluru broke the bank to secure her services for INR 3.4 crore at the WPL 2023 mega auction. Mandhana, who led her team to victory in the 2024 season, is one of the four players retained by Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming auction.
In total, 17 players, including seven international cricketers, have been retained by the five teams, leaving a significant number of spots open for new talent to shine.
So, who will emerge as the big spenders, and who will make strategic moves to build a winning team? The WPL 2026 auction is set to be a thrilling event, and we can't wait to see the outcomes. Will it be a controversial auction with unexpected twists? Only time will tell! Feel free to share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
