WPL 2026: Top 5 expensive signings at the mega auction

One of the most competitive bidding days in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 Player Auction's brief history took place in New Delhi on Thursday. As they assembled their teams, all five teams actively sought for elite players, and by the end of the competition, they had signed 67 players.

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Several seven-figure transactions were made at the auction, demonstrating the rising financial worth and appeal of women's cricket in India. Teams had well-defined plans going into the auction; some were aiming for seasoned foreign players, while others were concentrating on up-and-coming talent. Bidding wars swiftly drove prices considerably over base values.

WPL 2026: Top 5 expensive signings at the mega auction

Deepti Sharma, an all-rounder from India, was the costliest purchase made during the WPL 2026 auction. She was acquired by the UP Warriorz for a staggering ₹3.2 crore, well over her base price of ₹50 lakh. 

Amelia Kerr, the brilliant leg-spin all-rounder from New Zealand who was acquired by the Mumbai Indians for ₹3 crore, was not far behind. One of the most active teams was the UP Warriorz. They signed pacer Shikha Pandey for ₹2.4 crore, making her the third-most expensive purchase behind Deepti Sharma.

The fourth-most expensive player bought in the WPL 2026 auction was New Zealand legend Sophie Devine. Devine, who recently appeared in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, was bought by Gujarat Giants for ₹ 2 crores. With her power-hitting ability and knack for producing breakthroughs, Devine’s signing was one of the day’s most celebrated buys.

Meg Lanning, who took Delhi Capitals to the finals of the WPL tournament thrice, was picked up by UP Warriorz for ₹1.9 Cr. They needed a better captain to lead them after a disappointed WPL 2025 season and Meg Lanning ticks all the boxes for them. 

Top 5 expensive signings at the WPL 2026 mega auction:

1. Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz) – ₹3.2 Cr

2. Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians) – ₹3 Cr

3. Shikha Pandey (UP Warriorz) – ₹2.4 Cr

4. Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants) – ₹2 Cr

5. Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz) – ₹1.9 Cr

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