Deepti Sharma Sold for Rs 3.2 Crore as World Cup Winners Go Unnoticed at WPL 2026 Auction
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction New Delhi delivered a shockwave through women’s cricket—not because of record-breaking deals, but because of the quiet disappointment echoing through the room. On Thursday, November 27, 2026, UP Warriorz stunned the crowd by using their Right to Match card to secure Deepti Sharma for Rs 3.20 crore, the highest price of the day. Yet, as the dust settled, the real story wasn’t just about the top bid—it was about who got left behind. While Deepti Sharma became the most expensive Indian player ever in WPL history, several members of India’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025-winning squad were picked up for less than half what many expected. The WPL 2026 auction wasn’t just about talent—it was about perception, timing, and the cold calculus of franchise economics.
Top Buys and Surprising Omissions
The auction kicked off with Alyssa Healy, Australia’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter and former captain, as the first name called. Fans held their breath. She didn’t get a single bid. Not one. By the end of the day, the most feared hitter in women’s T20 cricket remained unsold—a stunning omission that sent ripples through the commentary box. Meanwhile, Amelia Kerr, New Zealand’s left-arm spinner and joint-highest wicket-taker in WPL 2025, walked away with Rs 3 crore from Mumbai Indians, making her the most expensive foreign acquisition. It was a statement: franchises were willing to pay big for proven overseas impact, even as homegrown stars were undervalued.World Cup Winners, Modest Deals
Here’s the twist: the team that lifted the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 trophy just nine months ago didn’t get the auction love you’d expect. Radha Yadav, the left-arm spinner who bowled with surgical precision in the World Cup final, went to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 65 lakh—just over double her base price. Harleen Deol, a stylish middle-order batter who anchored crucial chases in Australia, was picked up by UP Warriorz at exactly her base price of Rs 50 lakh. Sneh Rana, the gritty all-rounder known for her death-over hitting, joined Delhi Capitals for the same amount.Even Shree Charani, the explosive opener who smashed 89 off 48 balls in a World Cup group-stage match, fetched Rs 1.3 crore—a solid deal, yes—but still less than half what Deepti Sharma earned. Why? Because franchises already had their core retained: Smriti Mandhana (RCB), Jemimah Rodrigues (DC), Harmanpreet Kaur (MI), Richa Ghosh (GG), and Shafali Verma (DC) were locked in before the auction even began. That left the World Cup heroes competing for scraps.
Strategic RTM Moves and Hidden Gems
UP Warriorz, starting with the biggest purse at Rs 14.5 crore, played chess while others played checkers. They didn’t just buy—they reacquired. First, Deepti Sharma. Then, Sophie Ecclestone, England’s left-arm spinner and one of the most economical bowlers in T20 history, for Rs 85 lakh. Later, they added Shikha Pandey for Rs 2.4 crore—a quiet masterstroke. She’s not flashy, but she’s a finisher who’s delivered under pressure in high-stakes games. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals made a bold play for South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt at Rs 1.1 crore, betting on her consistency over flash.Even the unsold list told a story. Alyssa Healy didn’t get a bid, and neither did India’s all-rounder Minnu Mani, who had been a surprise pick in the World Cup squad. Why? Maybe teams already had depth. Maybe the market was saturated. Or maybe, and this is the uncomfortable truth, franchises still don’t fully value the experience of players who’ve won the biggest prize in the sport.
What This Means for Women’s Cricket
The WPL 2026 auction exposed a growing tension in women’s cricket: the gap between international success and franchise value. Players like Deepti Sharma and Shikha Pandey are paid because they’re seen as match-winners. But the World Cup heroes? They’re seen as role players—even when they’ve delivered on the biggest stage. This isn’t just about money. It’s about legacy. It’s about whether franchises are investing in the future of the game, or just chasing the next viral moment.The purse balances tell another tale. Gujarat Giants still have Rs 9 crore left—more than any other team. That’s not a mistake. That’s a strategy. They’re waiting. For injuries. For last-minute trades. For someone who slipped through the cracks. And that’s where the real drama might unfold next.
Team Purse Status After Auction
- Delhi Capitals: ₹5.7 crore remaining
- Gujarat Giants: ₹9 crore remaining
- Mumbai Indians: ₹5.75 crore remaining
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: ₹6.15 crore remaining
- UP Warriorz: Initial purse ₹14.5 crore; final balance not disclosed
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Deepti Sharma fetch such a high price when other World Cup winners didn’t?
Deepti Sharma’s value comes from her dual role as a top-order batter and off-spin bowler—rare in women’s cricket. She’s also been a consistent performer across formats since 2022, and UP Warriorz used their Right to Match card to outbid rivals. Unlike many World Cup winners who were already retained, she was available and seen as a franchise cornerstone, not just a squad player.
Why was Alyssa Healy unsold despite her international reputation?
Teams likely felt they had sufficient wicketkeeping-batting depth, with players like Richa Ghosh and Shree Charani already on rosters. Healy’s aggressive style, while exciting, may have been deemed too risky for middle-order stability. Also, her recent injury history and high salary expectations may have deterred bids, especially with teams holding large purse balances.
How did the RTM card influence the auction dynamics?
The Right to Match card allowed teams to retain players without using their purse. UP Warriorz used it twice—for Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone—effectively saving millions. This gave them an unfair advantage, letting them keep elite talent while other teams spent heavily on lesser-known players. It’s a strategic tool, but one that’s reshaping competitive balance in the WPL.
Are Indian World Cup winners being undervalued in the WPL?
Yes. Players like Radha Yadav and Harleen Deol delivered in high-pressure World Cup matches, yet were bought for base or near-base prices. Franchises seem to prioritize overseas stars or players with proven T20 franchise records over international title-winning credentials. This could discourage future investment in women’s cricket if players feel their biggest achievements don’t translate to financial rewards.
Which team has the most flexibility for future trades or signings?
Gujarat Giants, with ₹9 crore still unspent, hold the most financial flexibility. They can move aggressively in case of injuries, form slumps, or late trades. Their cautious approach suggests they’re banking on the second half of the auction window, possibly targeting players released by other teams or emerging talents from domestic circuits.
What’s next for the WPL after this auction?
Franchises will now focus on training camps, team chemistry, and last-minute roster tweaks. With five teams holding over ₹5 crore each, expect mid-season trades and late signings. The real test will be whether the players bought at modest prices—like Radha Yadav or Sneh Rana—can step up and prove their worth on the field, forcing franchises to rethink how they value World Cup heroes in future auctions.
