WPL Auction Set for October 28: 146 Players Shortlisted as Five Teams Hunt for Talent

The race for places in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 will intensify at the auction in Kochi on October 28, with 146 players shortlisted for just 27 available slots across the five franchises.

Hard-hitting Indian batter G Kamalini, all-rounder Sneh Rana, Australian captain Sophie Molineux and Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu are among the prominent names in the auction pool, which features a mix of established international cricketers and emerging Indian talent.

The shortlist comprises 22 capped Indian players, 14 capped overseas players, 97 uncapped Indians and 13 uncapped overseas cricketers, highlighting the significant presence of domestic talent competing for limited opportunities.

The highest base price has been set at Rs 50 lakh, followed by slabs of Rs 40 lakh, Rs 30 lakh, Rs 20 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.

Molineux, the Australian left-arm spinner and all-rounder released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is among the two players registered in the top Rs 50 lakh bracket. England batter Sophia Dunkley, who previously played for Gujarat Giants in 2024, is the other player in this category.

Kamalini, a wicketkeeper-batter released by Mumbai Indians, has registered in the Rs 40 lakh bracket. The same category includes India’s Kiran Navgire and Australian players Heather Graham and Jess Jonassen.

Rana, released by Delhi Capitals, has a base price of Rs 30 lakh, alongside Athapaththu, the experienced Sri Lankan all-rounder.

With only 27 slots available, franchises will have to weigh experience, versatility and future potential as they look to strengthen their squads for the next season. The presence of 97 uncapped Indian players also gives teams an opportunity to identify emerging talent and build greater depth for the competition.