Women’s Premier League 2026 mega auction generated intense competition in New Delhi on November 27, representing the tournament’s initial extensive player overhaul prior to the season commencing January 9 in Mumbai and Baroda. Teams participated with a collective budget exceeding ₹41 crore, strategically utilizing Right-to-Match (RTM) cards to reacquire key players following pre-auction retentions. All-rounder Deepti Sharma captured significant attention, equalling the second-highest price in WPL history as UP Warriorz matched Delhi Capitals’ ₹3.2 crore offer to bring her back.
UP Warriorz secure Deepti Sharma in dramatic RTM showdown
Deepti, entering with a starting base price of ₹50 lakh in the main group, initiated an unexpected rush when Delhi Capitals initially acquired her without opposition. UP Warriorz, her previous team, exercised their RTM option, leading DC to respond with the increased ₹3.2 crore figure, which UPW promptly matched to retain her services.
Previously obtained for ₹2.6 crore in WPL 2023, Deepti’s value increased by ₹60 lakh, illustrating her demonstrated influence: 507 runs at a 117.63 strike rate and 27 wickets throughout 25 matches, including a noteworthy hat-trick and MVP awards in 2024. Her time leading UPW last season, along with recent ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament achievements, solidified her as a flexible asset capable of batting in any position and bowling economically during all phases.
This reunion strengthens UP Warriorz’s foundation alongside acquisitions like Meg Lanning (₹1.9 crore) and Sophie Ecclestone (₹85 lakh via RTM), positioning them favorably despite a limited pre-auction retention of Shweta Sehrawat. Deepti’s all-encompassing contributions make her essential for a team aiming for their first title after consistent playoff showings.
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Top 5 costliest buys redefine WPL market value
Deepti’s agreement propels her into prominent standing, tied for second on the overall WPL auction list led by inaugural 2023 spending.
| Rank | Player | Price (₹ Crore) | Team (Edition) |
| 1 | Smriti Mandhana | 3.40 | RCB (2023) |
| 2 | Deepti Sharma | 3.20 | UP Warriorz (2026) |
| =2 | Ashleigh 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 opening proposition established the standard, while Deepti joins Ashleigh Gardner and Nat Sciver-Brunt as all-around performers validating significant investments through diverse performances. Recent important moments such as Amelia Kerr (₹3 crore, MI) and Sophie Devine (₹2 crore, Gujarat Giants) indicate increasing stakes for WPL 2026. These purchases emphasize franchises prioritizing established T20 match-winners amidst growing global demand for women’s cricket talent.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
