WPL Retentions 2025: Stars Locked In, Shocking Omissions Ahead of Mega Auction
The WPL Retentions 2025 have officially reshaped the league’s power dynamics. In a move that signals both loyalty and bold strategy, franchises have finalized their core squads ahead of the high-stakes mega auction on November 27. Indian powerhouses like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues were unsurprisingly retained—but the real drama came from who was let go. Australian legend Meg Lanning and all-rounder Deepti Sharma were both released by UP Warriorz, sending shockwaves through the women’s cricket world.
Table of Contents
- WPL Retention Rules: What Changed in 2025?
- Team-by-Team Retention Breakdown
- Biggest Shockers: Why Were Lanning & Deepti Released?
- What to Expect at the WPL Mega Auction
- How Retentions Shape Each Franchise’s Strategy
- Is This the Rise of Indian Core Squads?
- Conclusion: A New Chapter for WPL
- Sources
WPL Retention Rules: What Changed in 2025?
For the 2025 season, the WPL allowed each franchise to retain up to 5 players—a slight increase from previous years. Teams could also use a mix of “right-to-match” (RTM) cards and direct retentions, but with a tighter salary cap. This pushed franchises to prioritize long-term fit over short-term star power—especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon .
WPL Retentions 2025: Team-by-Team Breakdown
Here’s how the five franchises shaped their cores:
Mumbai Indians (Champions)
- Harmanpreet Kaur (C)
- Hayley Matthews
- Amanjot Kaur
- Yastika Bhatia
- Issy Wong
MI kept their title-winning spine intact—blending leadership, power-hitting, and pace.
Delhi Capitals
- Shafali Verma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Marizanne Kapp
- Shikha Pandey
- Jess Jonassen
DC doubled down on experience and explosive top-order batting.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Smriti Mandhana (C)
- Ellyse Perry
- Renuka Singh
- Kanika Ahuja
- Richa Ghosh
RCB retained Smriti as the face of the franchise while securing all-round balance.
Gujarat Giants
- Beth Mooney
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Dayalan Hemalatha
- Meghna Singh
- Simran Shaikh
GG leaned heavily on overseas firepower, retaining two Australian stars.
UP Warriorz
- Alyssa Healy (C)
- Grace Harris
- Tara Norris
- Sneh Rana
- Gargi Rawat
Notably absent: Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma—a bold gamble that’s raised eyebrows.
Biggest Shockers: Why Were Lanning & Deepti Released?
Meg Lanning, a former captain and one of the greatest batters in women’s cricket, hasn’t played since the 2023 WPL due to health breaks. While her class is undeniable, franchises may be wary of her availability. As for Deepti Sharma—a consistent performer with bat and ball—UP Warriorz likely faced tough salary-cap decisions. Releasing her frees up significant purse space for the auction, but it’s a major risk .
What to Expect at the WPL Mega Auction
Scheduled for November 27 in Mumbai, the mega auction will feature over 300 players, including:
- Returning stars like Sophie Ecclestone and Amelia Kerr
- Rising Indian talents: Mannat Kashyap, Shreyanka Patil
- International gems: Laura Wolvaardt, Laura Kimmince
With Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma now in the pool, expect a bidding war—especially from teams needing leadership or spin depth.
How Retentions Shape Each Franchise’s Strategy
Mumbai Indians are playing it safe—building around a proven champion core. Delhi Capitals are betting on youth and firepower. Meanwhile, UP Warriorz are going all-in on a new identity, banking on Healy’s captaincy and auction finds to rebuild. [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-team-strategies-2025] This divergent planning makes the 2025 season the most unpredictable yet.
Is This the Rise of Indian Core Squads?
Notice a trend? Every team retained 2–3 key Indian players. With the BCCI investing heavily in domestic pathways, franchises are prioritizing homegrown talent who understand local conditions and offer long-term value. This shift not only boosts India’s bench strength but also aligns with global franchise models like the WBBL and The Hundred.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for WPL
The WPL Retentions 2025 reflect a maturing league—where strategy, sustainability, and squad balance matter as much as star power. While fans will miss seeing Lanning in Warriorz blue, her release opens the door for fresh narratives. As the mega auction looms, one thing is clear: the WPL is no longer just a tournament—it’s a global powerhouse shaping the future of women’s cricket.