Women’s Premier League 2026 Mega Auction A fierce bidding war broke out in New Delhi on 27 November, leading to the tournament’s first full-scale player reshuffle ahead of the season starting on 9 January in Mumbai and Baroda. The franchises entered with a combined purse of over ₹41 crore, deploying strategically Right-to-Match (RTM) Cards to retrieve stars after pre-auction retention. all-rounder Deepti Sharma He made headlines by becoming the joint second most expensive player in WPL history as UP Warriors matched Delhi Capitals’ bid of ₹3.2 crore to bring him back.
UP Warriors secure Deepti Sharma in dramatic RTM encounter
Entering the marquee set at a modest base price of ₹50 lakh, Deepti created an unexpected frenzy. Delhi Capitals Initially captured without competition. UP Warriors, his former franchise, activated their RTM option, prompting DC to counter an inflated figure of ₹3.2 crore, which UPW immediately matched to retain his services.
Earlier bought for ₹2.6 crore in WPL 2023, Deepti’s value increased by ₹60 lakh, reflecting her proven impact: 507 runs at a 117.63 strike rate and 27 wickets in 25 matches, including a historic hat-trick and MVP honors in 2024. His stint captaining UPW last season, coupled with his recent ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament exploits, cemented him as a versatile asset capable of batting. Bowling economically in any conditions and at all stages
This along with acquisitions like reunification strengthens the core of UP Warriors Meg Lanning (₹1.9 crore) And Sophie Ecclestone (₹85 lakh via RTM), They are strongly ranked despite modest pre-auction retention Shweta SehrawatDeepti’s contributions at all stages make her indispensable for the franchise eyeing their maiden title after consistent playoff performances,
Also read: Fans shocked as Australia captain Alyssa Healy remains unsold in WPL 2026 mega auction
Top 5 Most Expensive Buys Redefine WPL Market Value
Deepti’s deal puts her in elite company, and ranks second on the all-time WPL auction list heading into the 2023 inaugural event.
| Post | player | Price (₹ Crore) | Team (version) |
| 1 | Smriti Mandhana | 3.40 | rcb (2023) |
| 2 | Deepti Sharma | 3.20 | UP Warriors (2026) |
| =2 | Ashley Gardner | 3.20 | Gujarat Giants (2023) |
| =2 | Nat Sciver-Brunt | 3.20 | Mumbai Indians (2023) |
| 5 | amelia kerr | 3.00 | Mumbai Indians (2026) |
Mandhana’s record opener bid sets the tone, while Deepti joins in Ashley Gardner And Nat Sciver-Brunt As an all-round powerhouse validating large-scale investments through multidimensional performance. Recent marquee highlights like amelia kerr (₹3 crore, MI) and Sophie Devine (₹2 crore, Gujarat Giants) has hinted at increasing the stake for WPL 2026. The purchase emphasizes the franchise’s preference for proven T20 match-winners amid growing global demand for women’s cricket talent.
Also read: WPL 2026 Auction: 5 overseas players who can trigger fierce bidding war
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
