The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction marked a significant milestone, with Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma being the highest-paid player, receiving a staggering ₹3.2 crore. This auction, held in New Delhi, not only highlighted Sharma's rising value following her impressive World Cup performance but also underscored the burgeoning commercial and sporting influence of women’s cricket in India.
Deepti Sharma’s former team, UP Warriorz, utilized their Right-to-Match (RTM) option to counter an initial offer from Delhi Capitals, matching the ₹3.2 crore bid. This amount positioned Sharma as the second-highest paid player in WPL history, just ₹20 lakh behind Smriti Mandhana's record of ₹3.4 crore from 2023. Her valuation has soared due to her remarkable performance in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, where she was named Player of the Tournament and finished as the highest wicket-taker with 22 dismissals.
The auction also saw notable acquisitions, such as New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who was acquired by Mumbai Indians for ₹3 crore, making her the most expensive foreign player of the event. Veteran Indian pacer Shikha Pandey, despite being absent from international cricket since 2023, was signed by UP Warriorz for ₹2.4 crore, showcasing her extensive experience and dependability. Surprisingly, Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy was not sold, despite her high-profile status and previous connection with UP Warriorz.
Overall, 67 players were sold at the WPL 2026 auction across five franchises, with teams committing a total of ₹40.8 crore. The auction featured a diverse mix of seasoned international players, emerging domestic talents, and returning stars, reflecting a more sophisticated league framework. The 2026 season of the WPL is set to run from January 9 to February 5, with matches planned in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. The final is scheduled just two days before the commencement of the Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Q1. What made Deepti Sharma's auction bid significant?
Answer: Deepti Sharma's ₹3.2 crore bid at the WPL 2026 auction marked her as the highest-paid player, reflecting her outstanding performance in the 2025 Women’s World Cup and the growing prominence of women's cricket in India.
Q2. Who were the other top players bought in the WPL 2026 auction?
Answer: Besides Deepti Sharma, New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr was sold for ₹3 crore, and Shikha Pandey fetched ₹2.4 crore, highlighting the competitive nature of the auction and the value of experienced players.
Q3. What impact does the WPL have on women’s cricket?
Answer: The WPL enhances visibility and commercial viability for women’s cricket, allowing players to gain recognition, financial support, and a platform to showcase their talents, thus promoting gender equality in sports.
Q4. When does the WPL 2026 season start?
Answer: The WPL 2026 season is scheduled to commence on January 9 and conclude on February 5, providing an exciting schedule of matches across various venues.
Q5. Why was Alyssa Healy unsold in the auction?
Answer: Despite her marquee status, Alyssa Healy was unsold in the WPL 2026 auction, which surprised many, possibly due to market dynamics and team strategies focusing on other players.
Question 1: Who was the highest-paid player in the WPL 2026 auction?
A) Smriti Mandhana
B) Deepti Sharma
C) Amelia Kerr
D) Alyssa Healy
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What was the total amount spent in the WPL 2026 auction?
A) ₹30 crore
B) ₹40.8 crore
C) ₹50 crore
D) ₹25 crore
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What position did Deepti Sharma achieve in the 2025 Women’s World Cup?
A) Second-highest scorer
B) Highest wicket-taker
C) Player of the Match
D) Best fielder
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which team acquired Amelia Kerr in the WPL 2026 auction?
A) UP Warriorz
B) Delhi Capitals
C) Mumbai Indians
D) Gujarat Giants
Correct Answer: C
Kutos : AI Assistant!
