The WPL 2027 auction features a diverse pool of 146 players vying for 27 squad slots across five franchises, with UP Warriorz leading the purse rankings at ₹3.75 crore.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction is set to provide an exciting platform for both established international stars and emerging Indian cricketers. With five franchises aiming to finalize their squads, every bid will be crucial as teams prepare for the upcoming season.
A total of 146 players have been shortlisted for the auction, scheduled to take place in Kochi on October 28. This diverse pool consists of 119 Indian players and 27 overseas cricketers, offering franchises a blend of seasoned performers and uncapped talent to consider.
The five teams have a combined total of 27 vacancies to fill, which includes 20 slots for Indian players and seven for overseas participants. The shortlist features 22 capped and 97 uncapped Indian players, alongside 14 capped and 13 uncapped overseas players. Additionally, six players from Associate nations are included in the mix.
The number of available slots will significantly influence the bidding strategies of each franchise. For instance, the Mumbai Indians have six positions to fill but no overseas slots available, while the UP Warriorz boast eight openings, including three for overseas players.
Among the top players on the auction shortlist are England batter Sophia Dunkley and Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux, both listed at a base price of ₹50 lakh. Their extensive international experience makes them appealing options for teams looking to enhance their batting line-up or bolster their all-round capabilities.
Notable domestic talents include India’s G Kamalini and Kiran Navgire, both setting their base price at ₹40 lakh. Other players in the same price range include Australia’s Heather Graham and former Australian international Jess Jonassen.
Several familiar names are also featured in the ₹30 lakh category, such as Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, Australia’s Grace Harris, and India’s Sneh Rana. With 97 uncapped Indian players available, franchises have ample opportunity to scout and invest in emerging talent.
As the auction approaches, the UP Warriorz stand out with the largest remaining purse of ₹3.75 crore and eight vacant squad positions. This financial flexibility allows them to strategically address multiple areas of their team, including batting, bowling, and all-round depth.
In contrast, the Gujarat Giants have ₹1.25 crore available to fill three player slots, while the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have ₹1.15 crore to fill five positions. The Delhi Capitals possess ₹1.10 crore for five slots, and the Mumbai Indians have ₹90 lakh allocated for six domestic players.
The WPL 2027 auction promises to be a thrilling event as franchises look to build competitive teams for the upcoming season, with a rich mix of talent available to choose from.
According to The Sunday Guardian, the anticipation surrounding the auction reflects the growing interest and investment in women’s cricket, highlighting the potential for new stars to emerge in the league.