India all-rounder Deepti Sharma made headlines at the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction, securing the second-highest price in WPL history while Australia’s veteran wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy went unsold.

Deepti Sharma’s Record Signing

The 28-year-old Deepti returns to UP Warriorz for 3.2 crore Indian rupees (approximately £272,000), narrowly missing the WPL record of 3.4 crore paid to India opener Smriti Mandhana by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2023.

Deepti’s consistent performances have made her a standout in the WPL, scoring 507 runs and taking 27 wickets in 25 matches for UP Warriorz. Her all-round abilities provide balance and firepower to the Warriorz squad for the upcoming 2026 season, scheduled from 9 January to 5 February.

Alyssa Healy and Overseas Player Dynamics

Despite being one of the marquee players, Australia captain Alyssa Healy, 35, was the only marquee player left unsold in the initial round. This highlights the unpredictability of the WPL auction and the increasing focus on young talent and Indian stars.

Other key overseas signings include:

• Amelia Kerr (New Zealand) – the second-most expensive signing at 3 crore INR (~£226,000), returning to Mumbai Indians.
• Meg Lanning (Australia) – joining UP Warriorz alongside Deepti Sharma.
• Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) – signed by Delhi Capitals, though the franchise has indicated a preference for an Indian captain.

England stars such as Heather Knight, Amy Jones, and Sophia Dunkley were not picked, while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was the only English player retained for the next season.

Top Indian Signings and Franchise Strategies

The auction also saw prominent Indian players picked for various teams:

• Shikha Pandey – surprised many as she went for 2.4 crore INR (~£204,000) to UP Warriorz, becoming the third-highest-paid player of the auction.
• Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, Kranti Gaud – secured by UP Warriorz.
• Shree Charani – joined Delhi Capitals.
• Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith – signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
• Danni Wyatt-Hodge – signed by Gujarat Giants.

The auction strategy shows a blend of experience and youth, with franchises aiming to balance Indian talent with overseas stars to strengthen their squads.

2026 WPL Outlook

The 2026 WPL season promises intense competition, with top players returning to their franchises and several new overseas signings adding depth. Deepti Sharma’s high-value signing and Alyssa Healy going unsold are symbolic of the changing dynamics in women’s franchise cricket, where form, team balance, and potential are as important as star power.

The league continues to grow in stature, providing a platform for India’s rising stars and global players to showcase their skills in the fastest-growing women’s T20 league in the world.

Selected Players from the 2026 WPL Auction:

• UP Warriorz: Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Meg Lanning*, Phoebe Litchfield*, Sophie Ecclestone*, Deandra Dottin*, Harleen Deol, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal, Chloe Tryon*, Tara Norris*
• Delhi Capitals: Laura Wolvaardt*, Lizelle Lee*, Chinelle Henry*, Shree Charani, Sneh Rana, Lucy Hamilton*
• Mumbai Indians: Amelia Kerr*, Shabnim Ismail*, Nicola Carey*, Saika Ishaque, Milly Illingworth
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Lauren Bell*, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Grace Harris*, Nadine de Klerk*, Georgia Voll*, Linsey Smith*, Radha Yadav, Dayalan Hemalatha
• Gujarat Giants: Sophie Devine*, Georgia Wareham*, Renuka Singh, Kim Garth*, Danni Wyatt-Hodge*