wpl 2026 mega auctionTaking place in New Delhi, it promises to be one of the most competitive bidding stages in the young history of the league. With teams reshaping their core groups for the new season and franchises having 23 overseas slots available, elite international performers are expected to be in high demand.
5 foreign players who can trigger intense bidding war in WPL 2026 auction
1) Sophie Ecclestone: The most wanted spinner in the auction pool
England’s star left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone enters the WPL 2026 auction as one of the most coveted bowlers in world cricket. With over 140 T20I wickets at a commendable average and economy rate, Ecclestone has built his reputation as a reliable match-winner across all formats and conditions.
His strengths make him an elite, multi-step operator:
- A wicket-taking bowler in the powerplay is capable of troubling the top-order batsmen.
- The enforcer of middle-overs who maintains control and forces false shots.
- Cool death over option with experience in global T20 leagues.
In spin-friendly Indian conditions, high quality left-arm spinners are a rare commodity. Ecclestone’s proven pedigree and temperament ensures that teams looking to build their bowling attack around a world-class slow bowler will enter the auction with aggressive intent.
2) Laura Wolvaardt: Dependable top-order run machine
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has become one of the world’s most consistent and technically assured T20 openers. With over 2,000 T20 runs, a strong average and excellent boundary-hitting numbers, she offers exactly what WPL teams want – top-order stability.
Wolvaardt’s powers include:
- Ability to chase under pressure.
- Converting starts into big scores.
- A recent T20 century and a long list of match-shaping half-centuries.
In a league where early collapses can derail an entire season, Wolvaardt stands out as a fundamental top-order player. Teams are looking for a reliable opening batsman around whom their middle order can revolve, possibly chasing him aggressively.
3) Amelia Kerr: The perfect three-dimensional all-round option
new zealand amelia kerr Brings unique balance with his triple-threat skills – top-order batting, penetrating leg-spin and exceptional fielding. Her match-winning performances at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, where she was Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament in the final, further boosted her stock.
Kerr’s versatility allows teams to:
- Strengthen their top four with a dynamic batsman.
- Add high quality leg-spin to their bowling attack.
- Maintain flexibility without compromising depth.
Given how difficult it is to find world-class all-rounders who can impact both innings, Kerr could command one of the highest bids of the auction, with franchises willing to stretch their purse capacity to secure him.
4) Phoebe Lichfield: The young star is perfect for Indian conditions
Australia’s rising sensation Phoebe Litchfield has already proved her skills in subcontinent conditions, especially with a brilliant ODI century at the Wankhede Stadium in 2024. His strong T20 numbers in India – highlighting consistency and composure – make him an ideal long-term investment.
What makes Litchfield a premium choice:
- Left arm flow against both spin and pace.
- Impressive record against India.
- Rapid adaptability to all formats and match scenarios.
Also read: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that could target Phoebe Litchfield in the mega auction
With WPL franchises looking for young overseas players who can grow with the league, Lichfield is expected to be one of the most sought-after batsmen in the auction.
5) Nadine de Klerk: High-impact seam-bowling all-rounder
South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk brings a valuable skill that franchises often struggle to find – a seam-bowling all-rounder who contributes in multiple phases of the game. Known for her fighting spirit, De Klerk consistently provided crucial runs and crucial wickets in the lower order.
Its features include:
- Ability to bowl the middle overs as a partnership breaker.
- Useful lower-middle order hitting at a competitive strike rate.
- Flexibility to accommodate multiple team combinations.
Given the shortage of overseas seam-bowling all-rounders, De Klerk could become a strategic target for teams looking for depth and balance at No. 6 or No. 7.
Also read: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that could target Sophie Ecclestone in the mega auction
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
