The WPL mega auction in New Delhi in 2026 should be a blast for women’s cricket fans. Lots of famous players and some talented newcomers are expected to create a bidding frenzy. For the first time, a massive group of 277 players (194 from India, 83 from other countries) will be up for grabs. The five teams will be battling to fill 73 spots. Teams need between 15 and 18 players, so watch for some smart moves as they try to improve their teams before the season starts on January 7.
Deepti Sharma, India’s World Cup star and MVP, is a name everyone’s watching at the auction. The UP Warriorz let her go soon after India’s big ODI World Cup victory, so she figures to be a popular pick as an all-rounder. She’s got a knack for both batting and bowling, and she’s a leader who stays cool when the pressure’s on, which makes her worth a lot to any team. Teams that have money to spend—especially the ones trying to build from the ground up—will probably fight to get her.
Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani, two young cricketers who were key to India’s World Cup win, share the stage with Deepti. Because of their outstanding play, they’re now considered top Indian talent, and some think they might get deals as big as Deepti’s. Kranti and Charani’s rise shows how much better Indian women’s cricket is getting. Teams that want to invest in talent for the future will definitely be watching these two. Also, experienced players like Harleen Deol, Renuka Singh, and Sneh Rana are up for auction as well.
Looking abroad, the auction boasts some excellent international players. South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, is coming off an excellent ODI World Cup. She scored centuries in both the semi-final and final, so everyone expects her to be a popular pick. She’s consistent, can hit the ball hard, and knows how to win games, making her a great choice. Even though former Australian captain Meg Lanning retired from international cricket last year, she’s still valuable because she’s been playing well in the WBBL. A lot of teams will probably fight to get her. Current Australia captain Alyssa Healy, world-class spinner Sophie Ecclestone, New Zealand stars Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, and Australian youngster Phoebe Litchfield are other overseas players who should get a lot of interest.
Franchise strategies will depend on their auction budgets. The UP Warriorz kept just one player, so they’re coming into the auction with the biggest wallet at ₹14.5 crore. This gives them a lot of freedom to bid on big players like Deepti, Wolvaardt, or Litchfield. On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals have the smallest budget at ₹5.70 crore, meaning they’ll have to be careful and strategic about their choices. The addition of four associate players—Theertha Satish and Esha Oza from the UAE, Tara Norris from the USA, and Thipatcha Putthawong from Thailand—makes the auction pool more diverse and shows how women’s cricket is growing worldwide.
The WPL 2026 season is almost here, and the upcoming auction is a big deal. It could change teams and players’ futures. Stars like Deepti Sharma, Kranti Gaud, and Shree Charani might find great new opportunities. For fans, expect a lot of excitement, surprises, and drama – it’s what these big auctions are known for.