Deepti Sharma Tops Charts as Costliest Pick at WPL 2026 Auction

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction witnessed a historic moment as Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma emerged as the costliest player, commanding a price of ₹3.2 crore. The high-stakes auction held in New Delhi not only showcased Deepti’s soaring value after her stellar World Cup performance but also reflected the growing commercial and sporting significance of women’s cricket in India.

Deepti Sharma’s Record-Breaking Bid

• Deepti Sharma’s former team, UP Warriorz, exercised the Right-to-Match (RTM) option to outbid Delhi Capitals, matching their opening offer of ₹3.2 crore.
• With this, Sharma became the second-highest paid player in WPL history — just ₹20 lakh behind Smriti Mandhana’s ₹3.4 crore record deal from 2023.
• Her value has surged due to her outstanding performance in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, where she was awarded Player of the Tournament and emerged as the highest wicket-taker with 22 dismissals.

Other Top Buys in WPL 2026

• Amelia Kerr, the New Zealand all-rounder, was bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹3 crore, becoming the most expensive foreign player of the auction.
• Veteran Indian pacer Shikha Pandey, despite not playing international cricket since 2023, was secured by UP Warriorz for ₹2.4 crore, a testament to her vast experience and reliability.
• In a surprising turn, Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy remained unsold, despite her marquee status and prior association with UP Warriorz.

Auction Overview

• A total of 67 players were sold during the auction across five franchises, with teams spending ₹40.8 crore.
• The bids covered a mix of seasoned internationals, emerging domestic players, and returning stars — reflecting a maturing league structure.
• The 2026 season of the WPL is scheduled from January 9 to February 5, with matches set to be played in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
• The final will be held just two days before the start of the Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.