NEW DELHI: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction opened with much drama on Thursday as UP Warriorz used its Right To Match (RTM) card to bring Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma back into the fold for a whopping Rs 3.2 crore, matching a strong bid made by Delhi Capitals. Sharma’s signing immediately set the tone for an intense day of auction.Live Updates: WPL Mega Auction 2026Earlier, New Zealand veteran Sophie Devine became the first player to go under the hammer, agreeing a Rs 2 crore deal with Gujarat Giants, signaling that teams were ready to spend big to strengthen their cores ahead of a crucial season.The fourth edition of the WPL will begin on January 9, with matches scheduled in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. The league, which usually takes place between February and March, has been brought forward to host the Men’s T20 World Cup which begins on February 7.“The next edition of the WPL will be played in Navi Mumbai and the final will be held in Vadodara,” WPL Chairman Jayesh George announced while opening the auction.Like previous years, the tournament will follow a caravan format: the first half at the DY Patil Stadium – where India recently won the Women’s ODI World Cup – before moving to Vadodara, which hosts the final on February 5. Defending champions Mumbai Indians head into the season looking to retain their crown.
WPL 2026 auctions : Who got who?
| Player | Base price | Team | Winning bid |
| Sophie Devine | Rs 50L | Giants of Gujarat | Rs 2 million |
| Renuka Singh | Rs 40L | Giants of Gujarat | Rs 60 million |
| Deepti Sharma | Rs 50L | UP Warriorz | Rs 3.2 million |
| Laura Wolvaart | Rs 30L | Delhi Capitals | Rs 1.1 crore |
| Amélie Kerr | Rs 50L | Mumbai Indians | Rs 3 million |
| Meg Lanning | Rs 50L | UP Warriorz | Rs 1.9 million |
| Sophie Ecclestone | Rs 50L | UP Warriorz | Rs 85 million |
