The Women's Premier League 2026 auctionDelhi didn’t just set records—it rewrote them. On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Deepti Sharma, the 28-year-old Indian all-rounder and ODI World Cup 2025 Player of the Tournament, became the second-most expensive Indian player in Women's Premier League history after UP Warriorz outbid Delhi Capitals to secure her for Rs 3.20 crore. The bidding war lasted nearly seven minutes. No one blinked. Not even the franchise owners.
Why Deepti Sharma Commands a King’s Ransom
She didn’t just play well in the World Cup—she carried India on her back. With 347 runs and 11 wickets across the tournament, Sharma was the calm in the storm, the finisher in the chaos, the spinner who could also clear the ropes. Her WPL record speaks volumes: 500+ runs, 27 wickets across three seasons, and leadership experience as captain of UP Warriorz. But here’s the twist: she wasn’t even supposed to be on the block. UP Warriorz held her Right to Match (RTM) card, meaning they could match any bid and keep her. But they waited. And waited. Until Delhi Capitals, desperate to rebuild after a dismal 2025 campaign, pushed the price to Rs 3.15 crore. That’s when UP Warriorz pulled the trigger. The crowd in Delhi erupted. The broadcasters went silent for a beat. Then the numbers flashed: Rs 3.20 crore.
"Her ability to contribute in different situations makes her one of the most valuable all-rounders in the league," said cricket.one in its live auction analysis. And it’s true. She’s not a one-trick pony. In pressure moments, she’s the player coaches turn to. In the 2025 WPL final, she took 3 wickets in the last four overs to seal a win. That’s the kind of player you pay for.
Global Stars, Big Money Moves
Sharma wasn’t the only one making headlines. Amelia Kerr, the New Zealand all-rounder who took 40 wickets in WPL 2025 at an average of 17.90, returned to Mumbai Indians for Rs 3 crore—making her the most expensive overseas player in WPL history. Her batting average in T20Is? Nearly 28. She’s not just a bowler; she’s a game-changer.
Then came Sophie Devine. The New Zealand captain, known for her explosive batting and sharp off-spin, was snatched up by Gujarat Giants after a tense auction battle with Delhi Capitals. She went for Rs 2 crore. For context: that’s more than what most Indian Test players make in a year.
The auction featured 277 players—83 overseas, 194 Indian—fighting for just 73 slots. And the purse war was real. UP Warriorz walked in with Rs 14.5 crore. Delhi Capitals? A mere Rs 5.70 crore. No wonder they lost out on Sharma, Devine, and even England’s Sophie Ecclestone, who went to Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 1.8 crore.
The Ripple Effect: From Net Bowler to National Hero
The auction didn’t just reflect value—it reflected momentum. India’s historic ODI World Cup 2025 win in November 2025 turned unknowns into icons. Take Kranti Gaud. A year ago, she was a net bowler for Mumbai Indians. Now? She’s a national hero after taking 12 wickets in the World Cup, including a crucial spell against Australia. Her base price? Rs 40 lakh. She’s expected to be picked up by a franchise by Friday.
And then there’s Shree Charani, the left-arm spinner who bowled 11 overs in the World Cup final without conceding a boundary. Her name wasn’t on the radar six months ago. Now, she’s a marquee name. "She’s the quiet assassin," said a former Indian captain in a Firstpost interview. "Teams will pay for that kind of control."
What This Means for Women’s Cricket in India
This isn’t just about contracts. It’s about cultural shift. Five years ago, WPL players earned a fraction of what they do now. In 2023, the highest-paid Indian woman cricketer made Rs 1.2 crore. Today, three players crossed Rs 3 crore. The growth curve isn’t steep—it’s vertical.
"This auction proves women’s cricket isn’t a side project anymore," said sports economist Dr. Meera Kapoor in an interview. "It’s a commercial engine. Sponsorships, merchandise, digital rights—all are scaling because fans are watching. And they’re paying to watch."
Franchises aren’t just buying talent—they’re buying brand equity. UP Warriorz didn’t just keep Sharma. They bought consistency. Mumbai Indians didn’t just re-sign Kerr. They secured a global icon. Gujarat Giants didn’t just get Devine—they got a captain, a drawcard, a marketable face.
What’s Next? The January Showdown
The Women's Premier League 2026 season kicks off on January 7, 2026. With all five franchises now assembled, the stage is set for the most competitive season yet. Expect high-scoring games, tactical spin battles, and a lot of pressure on Delhi Capitals, who lost their two biggest targets and are now forced to rely on young, unproven talent.
And what about the players? Sharma, Kerr, Devine—they’re not just athletes anymore. They’re role models. They’re the reason a 12-year-old girl in Jaipur now believes she can play for India. That’s the real win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Deepti Sharma’s contract so high compared to other Indian players?
Deepti Sharma’s Rs 3.20 crore deal reflects her rare all-round value: she’s a top-order batter, a death-over bowler, and a proven captain. Her Player of the Tournament win in the 2025 ODI World Cup, combined with 500+ runs and 27 wickets in WPL history, made her irreplaceable. No other Indian player has delivered consistently across formats and pressure moments like she has.
How did UP Warriorz afford Deepti Sharma despite Delhi Capitals’ higher bid?
UP Warriorz entered the auction with Rs 14.5 crore—the largest purse in the league—thanks to strong investor backing and a fanbase that sold out 80% of their home matches in 2025. Delhi Capitals, with only Rs 5.70 crore, were outgunned financially. Even with the Right to Match, they couldn’t match UP’s final bid without risking their entire squad structure.
Why did Amelia Kerr return to Mumbai Indians instead of joining a new team?
Kerr’s return was strategic: Mumbai Indians offered her a leadership role, guaranteed playing time, and a stable support system after her record-breaking 2025 season (40 wickets). She also has strong personal ties to the franchise, having lived in Mumbai during WPL 2024 and 2025. For a player who thrives on routine, continuity mattered more than a higher bid.
How did India’s ODI World Cup win impact the WPL auction prices?
India’s World Cup victory in November 2025 catapulted seven Indian players into marquee status overnight. Deepti Sharma, Kranti Gaud, and Shree Charani saw their market value jump by 200-400% in just two weeks. Franchises rushed to lock in players who had proven themselves on the global stage, knowing their popularity would drive ticket sales, merchandise, and digital engagement.
What’s the significance of the Right to Match (RTM) rule in this auction?
The RTM allowed UP Warriorz to retain Deepti Sharma even if another team bid higher—but only if they matched the final bid. It’s a safety net for franchises that have invested in player development. However, only three teams held RTM cards this year, and UP Warriorz was the only one to use it successfully. Delhi Capitals, lacking RTM on key players, were left scrambling.
Will WPL 2026 be more competitive than previous seasons?
Absolutely. With top global stars like Kerr and Devine back, and Indian talent like Sharma, Gaud, and Charani elevated, every franchise now has a realistic shot at the title. Delhi Capitals, despite their budget crunch, have young prospects like Amanjot Kaur and Tanisha Batra. The balance of power has shifted—no team is a clear favorite, making the season unpredictable and thrilling.