WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Big Players Released! Deepti Sharma, Lanning, Healy – Full List

WPL 2026 Mega Auction sees major shocks as Deepti Sharma, Meg Lanning, and Alyssa Healy are released.

WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Big Players Released! Deepti Sharma, Lanning, Healy Lead a Star-Studded Pool

The announcement of the retained and released players ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction has sent shockwaves across the cricket world. Scheduled for November 27, this auction is set to be the league’s most dramatic yet, featuring a blockbuster list of released stars—including Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, Australian legend Meg Lanning, and current Australian captain Alyssa Healy. Their inclusion, alongside a host of other world-class talent, signals a strategic reset for several franchises and promises fierce bidding wars.

The decision to release these cornerstone players is less a reflection of their form and more a direct consequence of the WPL’s stringent retention rules and fixed salary slabs. Teams had to navigate the retention cap structure—where retaining a player costs a set amount regardless of their original price—against the lure of a larger auction purse and the new Right to Match (RTM) cards. For franchises like UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants, the path to a full squad rebuild meant letting go of expensive assets to gain financial flexibility.

The Marquee Set Goes Back to the Pool

The sheer star power released ensures that the opening session of the auction, the ‘Marquee Set,’ will be must-watch viewing.

The most surprising release is arguably Deepti Sharma. Fresh off being named Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, her release by UP Warriorz was a clear budget-driven move. While she was originally purchased for ₹2.6 crore, retaining her would have cost the franchise a significantly higher fixed retention slab. UP Warriorz, who retained only one uncapped player, now enter the auction with the largest purse (₹14.5 crore) and four RTM cards, clearly banking on reacquiring Deepti at a lower price or having the financial muscle to build an entirely new, balanced side. Deepti, a proven match-winner with both bat and ball, will undoubtedly be the highest-priced Indian player on the day.

Joining her are two Australian titans: Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy. Lanning, who captained Delhi Capitals to the final in all three WPL seasons, was an established leader and run-scorer. Her release, likely due to salary cap constraints for DC, means a new franchise could acquire a world-class captain and one of the format’s most consistent batters. Alyssa Healy, the aggressive wicketkeeper-batter and former UP Warriorz captain, is another top-order game-changer. Both players offer not just explosive performance but invaluable leadership experience.

A World-Class All-Rounder Market

Beyond the headline names, the released list is packed with high-impact international all-rounders and specialists:

• Amelia Kerr: The New Zealand all-rounder, known for her leg-spin and middle-order batting stability, was released by Mumbai Indians. Having retained their full five-player quota, MI had to make tough calls, and Kerr’s return to the auction means every team needing a dual-threat overseas player will aggressively pursue her.

• Sophie Ecclestone: The world’s No. 1 T20I bowler, the English spinner was also released by UP Warriorz. Her four overs are gold in T20 cricket, and teams like RCB or Gujarat Giants, looking to fortify their spin department, will see her as a top priority.

• Laura Wolvaardt: The stylish South African opener, who finished as the leading run-scorer in the 2025 ODI World Cup, was released by Gujarat Giants. Her ability to anchor an innings or accelerate makes her a premium overseas batting option.

• Renuka Singh Thakur: The pace bowler was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leaving a significant void for an Indian pacer. Given the scarcity of quality Indian fast bowlers, Renuka is expected to command a massive bid, likely exceeding her original purchase price, as multiple teams vie for her services.

The Road Ahead

With only 17 players retained across the five franchises, 73 slots need to be filled from a pool of 277 registered players. UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants have intentionally maximised their purse and RTM options, positioning them for a complete rebuild. In contrast, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians retained their core (five players each) and will have limited funds to operate in the auction.

The WPL 2026 Mega Auction is no longer just about buying talent; it is a high-stakes chess game of strategy, financial planning, and timing. The teams that can successfully balance the acquisition of these released superstars—like Sharma, Lanning, and Healy—with smart, cost-effective buys for the remaining slots will be the ones setting the blueprint for success in the upcoming WPL season.

WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Big Players Released