WPL Auction 2025: Retain 5 Players, Use RTM for First Time – Full Guide

Table of Contents

• What’s New in the WPL Mega Auction?
• Retention Rules: Keep Up to 5 Stars
• RTM Option Debuts – How It Works
• Key Dates You Can’t Miss
• Team Budgets and Strategy Implications
• Sources

WPL Auction 2025: Big Changes Ahead

The WPL auction is set for a major shake-up as the league gears up for its third season. In a move that gives franchises more control—and more strategic depth—the Women’s Premier League has rolled out updated guidelines for its upcoming mega auction. For the first time ever, teams can not only retain up to five core players but also use a Right-to-Match (RTM) card during bidding wars.

With a purse of ₹15 crore per franchise and a hard deadline of November 5 for retention decisions, the stage is set for one of the most tactical player markets in women’s cricket history.

Retention Rules: Keep Up to 5 Stars

Each of the five WPL franchises—Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants—can now retain up to five players from their existing squads before the auction begins.

This is a significant increase from previous seasons, where retention limits were tighter. The expanded allowance reflects the league’s growing stability and the rising value of consistent performers like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Ashleigh Gardner.

Teams must submit their final retained list by November 5, 2025. Any player not retained becomes eligible for the auction pool.

RTM Option Debuts – How It Works

In a landmark decision, the WPL has introduced the Right-to-Match (RTM) option for the first time. This means franchises can let go of a player during retention but still bring them back during the auction—if another team bids for them.

Here’s how it works:

• Each team gets one RTM card.
• If a non-retained player is bid on during the auction, the original team can use RTM to match the highest bid and re-sign the player.
• The RTM cannot be used on players retained by another franchise.

This mirrors strategies used in the IPL and adds a new layer of negotiation, especially for high-demand all-rounders or overseas stars.

Key Dates You Can’t Miss

Milestone	Deadline
Player Registration Opens	October 15, 2025
Franchise Retention Deadline	November 5, 2025
Auction Player List Released	November 10, 2025
WPL Mega Auction	November 20–21, 2025

Team Budgets and Strategy Implications

Each franchise enters the WPL auction with a ₹15 crore purse. Retaining top players will eat into that budget—so smart allocation is key.

For example, retaining five high-value players could leave little room for mid-auction flexibility. Conversely, retaining fewer stars and using the RTM wisely might allow teams to build a more balanced squad with emerging domestic talent.

Analysts expect fierce competition for uncapped Indian players and versatile overseas signings—especially those who can bat and bowl in T20 conditions.

Sources

• Times of India: WPL Mega Auction – Retain 5 Players, RTM Option Introduced
• Official WPL Website
• BCCI: WPL Auction Guidelines 2025