WPL 2026 Auction Dates Confirmed: November 26-27 in New Delhi
The upcoming cycle of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will see franchise rosters reshaped at an auction scheduled for November 26-27 in New Delhi. teams are currently navigating critical retention decisions ahead of the November 5 deadline, balancing the desire to hold onto key players with the strategic implications of utilizing the Right to Match (RTM) card in the auction. This presents a dilemma for franchises: retain top talent now or risk letting them go, with the option to re-acquire them later.
Two-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), victors in 2023 and 2025, possess a strong roster but face retention constraints. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur is expected to be retained, alongside overseas all-rounders Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews, who led the league in runs and wickets, respectively. Due to limitations on overseas player retentions, Amelia Kerr may be released back into the auction pool. Among Indian players, Amanjot Kaur, yastika Bhatia, and Saika Ishaque are considered strong retention candidates.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the 2024 titleholders, are also making key decisions. Captain Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and richa Ghosh are anticipated to be retained, with Sneh Rana and either Georgia Wareham or renuka Singh Thakur potentially completing their core group.
Delhi Capitals, runners-up in all three seasons, are expected to retain Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, and marizanne Kapp. Jemimah Rodrigues, alongside either Shikha Pandey or Arundhati Reddy, could round out their five retentions.
UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants, both aiming to improve after inconsistent performances, face challenging choices. UP’s retention options are likely led by Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and potentially Alyssa Healy, while Gujarat are expected to build around Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, and emerging Indian talent.
