WPL 2026: Key Player Releases and Retentions
The WPL 2026 Mega Auction is scheduled for November 27 in New Delhi, drawing attention to player selections by the franchises.
Context After Women's World Cup 2025
Following India women's historic victory at the 2025 Women's World Cup in Navi Mumbai, focus has shifted to the Women's Premier League (WPL). On Thursday, all five franchises announced their lists of retained players ahead of the WPL 2026 auction.
Notable Retentions
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry.
- Mumbai Indians (MI) kept Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Controversial Decisions by UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz, who finished last in the previous edition, retained only one player: 21-year-old uncapped Indian Shweta Sehrawat. This decision surprised many as the franchise released several capped stars including:
- Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Tournament at the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup,
- Australian captain Alyssa Healy,
- England's top spinner Sophie Ecclestone,
- Grace Harris, known for powerful hitting.
"Their choice not to retain the world-class spinner Sophie Ecclestone and Grace Harris, a clean hitter of the ball, has raised some eyebrows."
Summary of Releases
The Lucknow-based team parted ways with all its capped players as they prepare for a different strategy in WPL 2026.
Would you like me to format a full list of player retentions and releases for each franchise if you provide the details?