In total, INR 40.8 crore was spent as teams prioritized proven match-winners over building larger squads. While many big names came under the hammer, only a few players truly stood out because of the massive prices they commanded.
These high-value signings reflected each franchise’s clear focus on impact players who can influence games with both skill and experience.
Here’s a closer look at the five most expensive players of the WPL 2026 auction and why teams invested so heavily in them.
1. Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma became the most expensive player in the WPL 2026 auction after UP Warriorz bought her for a huge amount of ₹3.20 crore. Her name missing from the retention list surprised many fans, but UP Warriorz were determined to bring her back.
Deepti’s strong all-round performances, calm leadership, and ability to handle pressure made her a top target in the auction. Delhi Capitals tried hard to sign her and pushed the bidding higher, but UP Warriorz used their Right to Match card to secure her services.
With this signing, Deepti also became the joint second most expensive player in WPL auction history, proving her immense value in modern T20 cricket.
2. Amelia Kerr
Mumbai Indians had to release Amelia Kerr before the auction because of retention limits, but they were always determined to buy her back. When her name came up, MI entered the auction with a clear plan to secure her at any cost.
A strong bidding battle followed with UP Warriorz, yet Mumbai Indians did not step back and finally signed Kerr for ₹3 crore, spending more than half of their total auction budget.
Amelia Kerr’s value is not just in statistics. She has played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ two WPL title wins with her all-round performances in batting, bowling, and fielding. Her re-signing clearly shows MI’s confidence in experienced and reliable match-winners.
3. Shikha Pandey
Shikha Pandey turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the WPL 2026 auction. Her price increased sharply from ₹60 lakh to ₹2.40 crore, showing how much franchises still trust her abilities. Even though she has not been a regular part of the Indian national team recently, teams valued her experience and calm approach under pressure.
UP Warriorz and Royal Challengers Bengaluru were involved in a strong bidding battle, as both wanted an experienced fast bowler in their squad. In the end, UP Warriorz managed to secure her services.
For UP Warriorz, Pandey brings balance and reliability to the bowling unit. Her ability to bowl well in the powerplay and handle tough match situations makes her an important addition for the team.
4. Sophie Devine
Sophie Devine was one of the biggest attractions of the WPL 2026 Auction, even though she missed the previous season. Her reputation as a powerful batter and a proven match-winner kept her in high demand among franchises. Several teams showed interest as soon as her name came up, which led to competitive bidding.
Gujarat Giants displayed clear intent and confidence in her abilities, eventually securing her for a price of ₹2 crore. Devine is known for her aggressive batting style and ability to change the course of a match within a few overs. Apart from her batting, she also brings valuable experience and leadership qualities to the squad.
Her inclusion strengthens Gujarat Giants’ power-hitting unit and adds maturity to the team, making her signing one of the smartest and most impactful moves of the auction.
5. Meg Lanning
The decision to release Meg Lanning by Delhi Capitals surprised many fans, as she had successfully led the team to three WPL finals. Her experience and calm leadership made her one of the most respected players in the league.
When her name came up in the auction, the bidding moved quickly as teams showed strong interest. UP Warriorz, keen to add leadership and stability to their squad, stepped in confidently and signed the Australian star for ₹1.90 crore.
By bringing in Lanning, UP Warriorz gained much more than a reliable top-order batter. They added one of the greatest captains in women’s cricket, whose experience and winning mindset can guide the team in pressure situations throughout the season.
Conclusion
The WPL 2026 auction clearly showed that teams are now focusing more on quality players rather than buying a large number of cricketers. Franchises were willing to spend big money on players who can make a real difference on the field. Deepti Sharma becoming the most expensive player of the auction proves how valuable all-rounders have become in modern cricket.
Players who can contribute with both bat and ball, along with leadership skills, are now in high demand. With the WPL 2026 Schedule set, fans and franchises alike are eagerly anticipating more exciting matches and big-money signings.
This trend reflects the rising popularity, competitiveness, and commercial success of women’s cricket and points towards a very bright and exciting future for the league and the players involved.
