Deepti, Gaud, Charani set for big bids at first-ever WPL mega auction

Leading international stars and young Indian sensations are set to go under the hammer at the first-ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction in New Delhi on Thursday, with bidding wars expected for marquee players.

A total of 277 players, 194 Indian and 83 overseas, are part of the auction as five franchises look to fill 73 slots, including 50 Indians and 23 overseas players. Squad sizes will range between 15 and 18 players, offering teams flexibility to balance experience and emerging talent.

Fresh from India’s historic ODI World Cup triumph, national players are expected to dominate bidding. Deepti Sharma, the tournament’s Player of the Series and recently released by UP Warriorz, is tipped to command a high price. Rising stars Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani could match Deepti’s pay, having impressed throughout India’s World Cup campaign. Other Indian names in the auction include Harleen Deol, Renuka Singh, and Sneh Rana, all likely to attract attention for their international experience.

The international lineup is equally star-studded. South African captain Laura Wolvaardt was in sublime form during the World Cup, scoring crucial hundreds in the semifinals and final. Australian legends Meg Lanning, who retired from international cricket in 2023 but remains in top form in the WBBL, and current skipper Alyssa Healy, along with England spinner Sophie Ecclestone, New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, and rising Australian talent Phoebe Litchfield, are all set to spark bidding interest.

Franchise budgets will heavily influence strategies. UP Warriorz, having retained only one player, entered the auction with the largest purse of ₹14.5 crore, giving them scope to bid aggressively on multiple stars. In contrast, Delhi Capitals have the least funds at ₹5.7 crore, likely forcing them to focus on strategic acquisitions and value picks rather than marquee players.

The WPL auction also provides a platform for young Indian talents to establish themselves in franchise cricket, gaining exposure to elite coaching, international teammates, and high-pressure matches. Performances here can significantly influence their careers, both in terms of future league opportunities and national selection.

The tournament is scheduled to begin on January 7, 2026, with fans eagerly awaiting to see how franchises build their squads around a mix of seasoned internationals and promising local talent.