The Women’s Premier League 2026 auction took place on November 27, 2025, in New Delhi. It was the first mega auction in WPL history.
All five teams rebuilt their squads with big buys, shocking moments, and exciting bidding wars.
For South African fans, there was plenty to celebrate with Laura Wolvaardt, Chloe Tryon, and other Proteas stars finding new homes in India’s premier women’s cricket league.
Top 10 WPL 2026 Auction Highlights (Quick Summary)
- Most expensive player: Deepti Sharma went to UP Warriorz for ₹3.20 crore
- Most expensive overseas player: Amelia Kerr joined the Mumbai Indians for ₹3.00 crore
- Top South African buy: Laura Wolvaardt was signed by Delhi Capitals for ₹1.10 crore after a bidding war with RCB
- First buy of the auction: Sophie Devine became the first player to get a new contract, bought by Gujarat Giants for ₹2.00 crore
- Biggest shock: Alyssa Healy, the Australian captain and wicketkeeper, went unsold
- Biggest bidding war: Deepti Sharma’s auction saw intense competition between Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz, with UP using RTM at ₹3.20 crore
- Teams that spent the most: Three teams (Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru) used their full purse of ₹15 crore
- South African Players: Six Proteas players were picked – Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp (retained), Nadine de Klerk, Lizelle Lee, Shabnim Ismail, and Chloe Tryon
- Record broken: Deepti Sharma became the joint second-most expensive player in WPL history
- Unexpected comeback: Veteran pacer Shikha Pandey was signed by UP Warriorz for ₹2.40 crore despite not playing for India since 2023
WPL 2026 Top Buys (Most Expensive Players)
The bidding was intense right from the start. Teams went all out for proven match-winners and World Cup stars.
Indian players from the recently won ODI World Cup were in huge demand, but international stars also commanded impressive prices.
Top 10 Most Expensive Players in WPL 2026 Auction
| Player | Team | Role | Price (₹ Crore) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deepti Sharma | UP Warriorz | All-rounder | 3.20 | India |
| Amelia Kerr | Mumbai Indians | All-rounder | 3.00 | New Zealand |
| Shikha Pandey | UP Warriorz | All-rounder | 2.40 | India |
| Sophie Devine | Gujarat Giants | All-rounder | 2.00 | New Zealand |
| Meg Lanning | UP Warriorz | Batter | 1.90 | Australia |
| Chinelle Henry | Delhi Capitals | All-rounder | 1.30 | West Indies |
| Shree Charani | Delhi Capitals | All-rounder | 1.30 | India |
| Phoebe Litchfield | UP Warriorz | Batter | 1.20 | Australia |
| Laura Wolvaardt | Delhi Capitals | Batter | 1.10 | South Africa |
| Asha Sobhana | UP Warriorz | Bowler | 1.10 | India |
Deepti Sharma set a new auction record and became the joint second-most expensive WPL player ever. Smriti Mandhana still holds the overall record with ₹3.40 crore from 2023.
South African Players at WPL 2026 Auction
Six South African players found teams at the WPL 2026 auction, though it was a mixed day for the Proteas.
Here’s how each South African player fared:
Laura Wolvaardt – Delhi Capitals (₹1.10 crore)
The biggest South African buy of the auction was Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt.
She made 571 runs in the recently concluded World Cup and attracted strong interest from the Delhi Capitals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Delhi won the bidding war at ₹1.10 crore.
Wolvaardt had previously played for Gujarat Giants in all three WPL seasons, scoring 342 runs in 13 matches. Now she joins a strong Delhi squad that reached the finals in the last three seasons.
Marizanne Kapp – Delhi Capitals (₹2.20 crore – Retained)
Delhi Capitals retained Marizanne Kapp before the auction. This was no surprise; Kapp has been one of Delhi’s most consistent performers since the WPL began.
Kapp has taken 28 wickets in 24 WPL matches and scored 362 runs at an average of 32.90. Her retention at ₹2.20 crore shows how highly Delhi values her contribution.
Shabnim Ismail – Mumbai Indians (₹60 lakh)
At ₹60 lakh, this was one of the best value buys of the entire auction. Ismail is 36 years old but still one of the fastest bowlers in women’s cricket.
She brings crucial experience in bowling during power plays and at the death. The Mumbai Indians needed quality pace bowling options after some departures, and Ismail fills that gap perfectly.
Her ability to take early wickets and bowl yorkers at crucial moments makes her valuable despite the lower price tag.
Chloe Tryon – UP Warriorz (₹30 lakh)
The South African all-rounder was picked up by UP Warriorz in the accelerated round for ₹30 lakh.
Tryon provides left-arm spin bowling and powerful hitting in the middle order. While she went for a modest price, she adds depth to the UP Warriorz squad.
Nadine de Klerk – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (₹65 lakh)
The South African all-rounder joined RCB for ₹65 lakh. De Klerk offers pace bowling and batting ability, giving RCB a valuable multi-skilled option.
She can bowl in multiple phases of the innings and contribute useful runs down the order.
Lizelle Lee – Delhi Capitals (₹30 lakh)
Former South African opener Lizelle Lee was another bargain buy, going to the Delhi Capitals for just ₹30 lakh.
Lee brings power-hitting ability at the top of the order and adds depth to Delhi’s batting lineup. At this price, she represents excellent backup and competition for places.
Best Value Picks of the WPL 2026 Auction
- Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals – ₹1.10 crore)
- Shabnim Ismail (Mumbai Indians – ₹60 lakh)
- Marizanne Kapp (Delhi Capitals – ₹2.20 crore – Retained)
- Renuka Singh (Gujarat Giants – ₹60 lakh)
- Sophie Ecclestone (UP Warriorz – ₹85 lakh)
- Grace Harris (RCB – ₹75 lakh)
Overseas Players in the WPL 2026 Auction
International players were in high demand, with all-rounders commanding the highest prices.
- Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians – ₹3.00 crore)
- Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants – ₹2.00 crore)
- Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz – ₹1.90 crore)
- Chinelle Henry (Delhi Capitals – ₹1.30 crore)
- Phoebe Litchfield (UP Warriorz – ₹1.20 crore)
- Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals – ₹1.10 crore)
- Shabnim Ismail (Mumbai Indians – ₹60 lakh)
- Annabel Sutherland (Delhi Capitals – ₹2.20 crore – Retained)
Team-wise WPL 2026 Auction Highlights
This section shows what each team bought and how they spent their money.
Delhi Capitals WPL 2026 Squad
Delhi Capitals built the strongest South African presence in WPL 2026. They retained Marizanne Kapp and added Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee, giving them three Proteas players.
| Player | Role | Price (₹) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shafali Verma | Batter | 2.20 crore | Indian (Retained) |
| Annabel Sutherland | All-rounder | 2.20 crore | Overseas (Retained) |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | Batter | 2.20 crore | Indian (Retained) |
| Marizanne Kapp | All-rounder | 2.20 crore | South Africa (Retained) |
| Shree Charani | All-rounder | 1.30 crore | Indian |
| Chinelle Henry | All-rounder | 1.30 crore | Overseas |
| Laura Wolvaardt | Batter | 1.10 crore | South Africa |
| Niki Prasad | All-rounder | 50 lakh | Indian (Retained) |
| Sneh Rana | All-rounder | 50 lakh | Indian |
| Minnu Mani | All-rounder | 40 lakh | Indian |
| Lizelle Lee | Batter | 30 lakh | South Africa |
| Taniya Bhatia | Wicketkeeper | 30 lakh | Indian |
| Nandani Sharma | Bowler | 20 lakh | Indian |
| Deeya Yadav | Batter | 10 lakh | Indian |
| Lucy Hamilton | All-rounder | 10 lakh | Overseas |
| Madiwala Mamatha | Batter | 10 lakh | Indian |
Gujarat Giants WPL 2026 Squad
Gujarat Giants went for experience and power-hitting. They bought the most players (18) and focused on building depth in their squad with quality all-rounders.
| Player | Role | Price (₹) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashleigh Gardner | All-rounder | 3.50 crore | Overseas (Retained) |
| Beth Mooney | Batter | 2.50 crore | Overseas (Retained) |
| Sophie Devine | All-rounder | 2.00 crore | Overseas |
| Georgia Wareham | All-rounder | 1.00 crore | Overseas |
| Bharti Fulmali | Batter | 70 lakh | Indian |
| Kashvee Gautam | All-rounder | 65 lakh | Indian |
| Renuka Singh | Bowler | 60 lakh | Indian |
| Yastika Bhatia | Wicketkeeper | 50 lakh | Indian |
| Kim Garth | All-rounder | 50 lakh | Overseas |
| Danni Wyatt-Hodge | Batter | 50 lakh | Overseas |
| Anushka Sharma | All-rounder | 45 lakh | Indian |
| Tanuja Kanwar | All-rounder | 45 lakh | Indian |
| Rajeshwari Gayakwad | Bowler | 40 lakh | Indian |
| Kanika Ahuja | All-rounder | 30 lakh | Indian |
| Titas Sadhu | Bowler | 30 lakh | Indian |
| Ayushi Soni | All-rounder | 30 lakh | Indian |
| Happy Kumari | Bowler | 10 lakh | Indian |
| Shivani Singh | Batter | 10 lakh | Indian |
Gujarat Giants released Laura Wolvaardt before the auction, ending her three-season association with the franchise. This was a surprising move given her consistent performances.
Mumbai Indians WPL 2026 Squad
The defending champions kept their core intact and added South African pace legend Shabnim Ismail to strengthen their bowling attack.
| Player | Role | Price (₹) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | All-rounder | 3.50 crore | Overseas (Retained) |
| Amelia Kerr | All-rounder | 3.00 crore | Overseas |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | All-rounder | 2.50 crore | Indian (Retained) |
| Hayley Matthews | All-rounder | 1.75 crore | Overseas (Retained) |
| Amanjot Kaur | All-rounder | 1.00 crore | Indian (Retained) |
| Sajeevan Sajana | All-rounder | 75 lakh | Indian |
| Shabnim Ismail | Bowler | 60 lakh | South Africa |
| Gunalan Kamalini | Batter | 50 lakh | Indian (Retained) |
| Saika Ishaque | Bowler | 30 lakh | Indian |
| Nicola Carey | All-rounder | 30 lakh | Overseas |
| Triveni Vasistha | All-rounder | 20 lakh | Indian |
| Sanskriti Gupta | All-rounder | 20 lakh | Indian |
| Nalla Reddy | All-rounder | 10 lakh | Indian |
| Milly Illingworth | Bowler | 10 lakh | Overseas |
| Poonam Khemnar | All-rounder | 10 lakh | Indian |
| Rahila Firdous | Batter | 10 lakh | Indian |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru WPL 2026 Squad
RCB built their team around captain Smriti Mandhana and added South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk to strengthen their bowling.
| Player | Role | Price (₹) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | Batter | 3.50 crore | Indian (Retained) |
| Richa Ghosh | Wicketkeeper | 2.75 crore | Indian (Retained) |
| Ellyse Perry | All-rounder | 2.00 crore | Overseas (Retained) |
| Lauren Bell | Bowler | 90 lakh | Overseas |
| Pooja Vastrakar | All-rounder | 85 lakh | Indian |
| Arundhati Reddy | All-rounder | 75 lakh | Indian |
| Grace Harris | All-rounder | 75 lakh | Overseas |
| Nadine de Klerk | All-rounder | 65 lakh | South Africa |
| Radha Yadav | All-rounder | 65 lakh | Indian |
| Shreyanka Patil | All-rounder | 60 lakh | Indian (Retained) |
| Georgia Voll | Batter | 60 lakh | Overseas |
| Dayalan Hemalatha | All-rounder | 30 lakh | Indian |
| Linsey Smith | Bowler | 30 lakh | Overseas |
| Prema Rawat | All-rounder | 20 lakh | Indian |
| Gautami Naik | All-rounder | 10 lakh | Indian |
| Kumar Prathyoosha | Batter | 10 lakh | Indian |
UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Squad
UP Warriorz came into the auction with the biggest purse and rebuilt their entire squad. They picked up South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon for squad depth.
| Player | Role | Price (₹) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deepti Sharma | All-rounder | 3.20 crore | Indian |
| Shikha Pandey | All-rounder | 2.40 crore | Indian |
| Meg Lanning | Batter | 1.90 crore | Overseas |
| Phoebe Litchfield | Batter | 1.20 crore | Overseas |
| Asha Sobhana | Bowler | 1.10 crore | Indian |
| Sophie Ecclestone | Bowler | 85 lakh | Overseas |
| Deandra Dottin | All-rounder | 80 lakh | Overseas |
| Kiran Navgire | Batter | 60 lakh | Indian |
| Kranti Gaud | Bowler | 50 lakh | Indian |
| Pratika Rawal | All-rounder | 50 lakh | Indian |
| Shweta Sehrawat | Batter | 50 lakh | Indian (Retained) |
| Harleen Deol | All-rounder | 50 lakh | Indian |
| Chloe Tryon | All-rounder | 30 lakh | South Africa |
| Shipra Giri | Batter | 10 lakh | Indian |
| Simran Shaikh | Batter | 10 lakh | Indian |
| Gongadi Trisha | All-rounder | 10 lakh | Indian |
| Suman L Meena | All-rounder | 10 lakh | Indian |
| Tara Norris | All-rounder | 10 lakh | Overseas |
WPL Teams Spending & Remaining Purse
The auction saw teams spending big on proven performers. Three teams used their entire budget, while two teams saved small amounts.
All-rounders were the most wanted players, with teams willing to pay premium prices for players who can bat, bowl, and contribute in both departments.
| Team | Total Purse (₹ Cr) | Amount Spent (₹ Cr) | Remaining Purse (₹ Cr) | Players Bought | SA Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals | 15.00 | 15.00 | 0.00 | 16 | 3 (Kapp, Wolvaardt, Lee) |
| Gujarat Giants | 15.00 | 14.85 | 0.15 | 18 | 0 |
| Mumbai Indians | 15.00 | 15.00 | 0.00 | 16 | 1 (Ismail) |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 15.00 | 15.00 | 0.00 | 16 | 1 (de Klerk) |
| UP Warriorz | 15.00 | 14.85 | 0.15 | 18 | 1 (Tryon) |
For South African fans, the biggest surprise was how low Laura Wolvaardt went for.
After scoring 571 runs in the World Cup and leading South Africa to the final, many expected her to be one of the top-priced players. At ₹1.10 crore, Delhi Capitals got an absolute bargain.
Shabnim Ismail going for just ₹60 lakh was another shock. The South African pace legend is still one of the fastest bowlers in the game and brings crucial experience. Mumbai Indians picked up a world-class bowler at a fraction of what other overseas players cost.
Conclusion: Laura Wolvaardt Joins Delhi Capitals
Laura Wolvaardt is joining the Delhi Capitals at a bargain price, and Marizanne Kapp is being retained as a key player.
Shabnim Ismail finding a home with the champions, and three other Proteas players getting contracts, shows the respect and demand for South African talent.
With strong squads assembled, WPL 2026 promises to be the most competitive season yet.
The tournament will begin on January 9, 2026, in Navi Mumbai, and fans can expect high-quality cricket from all five teams.
South African supporters will be watching closely as their stars look to make an impact in India’s premier women’s league.
FAQs
Marizanne Kapp at ₹2.20 crore (retained by Delhi Capitals) was the highest-priced South African player. Among new signings, Laura Wolvaardt at ₹1.10 crore was the top South African buy.
Delhi Capitals has three South African players – Marizanne Kapp, Laura Wolvaardt, and Lizelle Lee. This makes them the team to watch for South African fans.
It was an excellent buy. Wolvaardt just scored 571 runs in the World Cup, led South Africa to the final, and is one of the best batters in the world. At ₹1.10 crore, the Delhi Capitals got incredible value.
Deepti Sharma was the most expensive player, bought by UP Warriorz for ₹3.20 crore using their Right to Match option.
WPL 2026 will run from January 9 to February 5, 2026, and will be played in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
Teams have limited overseas slots, so they focus on all-rounders who provide multiple skills. Specialist players like wicketkeepers sometimes find it harder to get picked.
RTM allows teams to buy back their former players by matching the highest bid made by another team. This was the first WPL auction where RTM cards were available.
