The cricketing world is holding its breath in New Delhi today, Thursday, November 27, 2025, as the biggest event in women’s domestic cricket gets underway: the WPL Auction 2026. This isn’t just any auction—it’s the league’s first-ever mega auction, and it promises to be a high-stakes, high-drama spectacle with 277 players vying for just 73 slots across the five powerhouse franchises . At the heart of the action are three names that have every team manager’s phone on redial: India’s own Deepti Sharma, South Africa’s batting sensation Laura Wolvaardt, and England’s premier spinner Sophie Ecclestone. Buckle up, because the bidding wars are about to get very, very interesting.
Table of Contents
- The Mega Auction Setup
- Deepti Sharma: The Crown Jewel of Indian Cricket
- Laura Wolvaardt: A Franchise Keeper
- Sophie Ecclestone: The Match-Winner
- Team Strategies and Retention Rules
- Conclusion: The Future of WPL Auction 2026
- Sources
The Mega Auction Setup
Held in the national capital, this WPL Auction 2026 is a landmark moment for the league. With a massive pool of 194 Indian and 83 overseas players, the auction pool is deeper and more competitive than ever before . Each team has had to make some tough calls on who to retain from their 2025 squads, with strict rules in place: a maximum of three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indians can be held onto . This has left plenty of room for new talent to shine and for franchises to completely overhaul their strategies.
Deepti Sharma: The Crown Jewel of Indian Cricket
All eyes are on Deepti Sharma, who has been listed with the highest base price of ₹50 lakh, a clear signal of her immense value . Fresh off being the fourth most expensive player in WPL history after fetching a massive ₹2.60 crore from UP Warriorz in 2025, her all-round prowess makes her the ultimate weapon for any team . She’s not just a dependable middle-order batter but also a crafty off-spinner who can break crucial partnerships. Her ability to perform under pressure makes her a player worth every single rupee a franchise will spend on her. Will UP Warriorz fight to bring her back, or will a new team like Mumbai Indians or Royal Challengers Bangalore make a grand play to secure her services?
Laura Wolvaardt: A Franchise Keeper
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt has already proven her worth in the WPL, having been retained by the Gujarat Giants for the 2025 season after a successful initial stint . With 342 runs from 13 matches, her elegant stroke play and rock-solid technique at the top of the order have made her a fan favorite and a coach’s dream . Having been retained previously, she will likely go under the hammer at a base price that reflects her status as a genuine match-winner. Her leadership skills add another layer of value, making her a prime target for any franchise looking to build around a stable core.
Sophie Ecclestone: The Match-Winner
England’s Sophie Ecclestone needs no introduction. She is, quite simply, one of the best left-arm spinners in the world. Her WPL 2025 season with UP Warriorz was a masterclass, where she was retained for a hefty ₹1.80 crore, placing her among the highest-paid overseas players in the league . Her ability to stifle batters in the powerplay and at the death with her variations and control is unparalleled. Her presence alone can shift the momentum of a game, and we can expect a fierce battle between UP Warriorz, who know her worth firsthand, and other teams desperate for a world-class spinner to anchor their attack.
Team Strategies and Retention Rules
The retention rules for this mega auction have forced teams into fascinating strategic dilemmas . For instance, retaining a star like Harmanpreet Kaur or Smriti Mandhana uses up a valuable capped Indian slot, which might mean letting go of another key domestic player . Teams like Delhi Capitals have already shown their hand by retaining a core of Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, and Annabel Sutherland . Now, with their remaining purse and slots, they’ll be looking to fill specific gaps in their squad. The teams that can best balance experience with exciting young, uncapped talent from the auction pool will likely be the ones to watch in the 2026 season.
For a deeper dive into how your favorite team can build a winning fantasy team from this auction, check out our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:fantasy-cricket-wpl-2026].
Conclusion: The Future of WPL Auction 2026
The WPL Auction 2026 is more than just a player draft; it’s a statement of intent for the future of women’s cricket in India and globally. The anticipated bumper bids for Deepti Sharma, Laura Wolvaardt, and Sophie Ecclestone are a testament to the growing stature and commercial power of the league. It’s a thrilling time for fans, as these strategic moves will define the competitive landscape for the next two seasons. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a specific franchise or just love the game, today’s auction is the can’t-miss event that will shape the WPL’s most exciting chapter yet.