New delhi – Preparations are well underway for the highly anticipated 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction, with all five participating franchises now having disclosed their lists of retained players. Teams were permitted to retain a maximum of five players each, adhering to a specific composition rule: no more than three capped Indian players and two overseas athletes, with the stipulation that any full roster of five must include at least one uncapped Indian talent.
Key Player Retention announcements
Table of Contents
- 1. Key Player Retention announcements
- 2. Mumbai Indians
- 3. Delhi Capitals
- 4. Gujarat Giants
- 5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- 6. UP Warriorz
- 7. Auction Purse Breakdown
- 8. Understanding Player Retention Strategies
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions about WPL Player Retention
- 10. How does the retention of Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah rodrigues, and Smriti Mandhana contribute to the UP Warriorz’s strategic approach for the 2025 WPL season?
- 11. Harmanpreet, Jemimah, Smriti retained as UP Warriorz Assemble New Squad for INR 14.5 Crore IPL Season
- 12. Key Retentions: The Foundation of the Warriorz
- 13. New Acquisitions: Strengthening the Squad
- 14. Auction Strategy & Purse Management
- 15. Player Roles and Potential Lineups
- 16. WPL 2025: Expectations and challenges
- 17. Benefits of a Strong Squad
Several prominent names will continue with their respective teams, setting the stage for competitive bidding in the upcoming auction. The strategic decisions made by each franchise highlight their plans for building a winning squad.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai indians have opted to retain Nat Sciver-Brunt,Harmanpreet Kaur,Hayley Mathews,Amanjot Kaur,and G. Kamalini, demonstrating a commitment to both established stars and emerging Indian talent.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals will continue with Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, and Niki Prasad, forming a strong core for the next WPL season.
Gujarat Giants
Gujarat Giants have chosen to retain Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney, signaling their intention to build around these key players.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured the services of Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, and Shreyanka Patil, creating a formidable lineup.
UP Warriorz
UP warriorz have decided to retain only Shweta Sehrawat, strategically maximizing their available purse for the upcoming auction.
Auction Purse Breakdown
The WPL has established a tiered retention system, where each retained player impacts the franchise’s available auction budget. The cost for retaining players is as follows: INR 3.5 crore for the first, INR 2.5 crore for the second, INR 1.75 crore for the third, INR 1 crore for the fourth, and INR 50 lakh for the fifth. Retaining a full complement of five players incurs a total cost of INR 9.25 crore.
Here’s a breakdown of the remaining auction purses for each team:
| Franchise | Remaining Purse (INR Crore) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai indians | 5.75 |
| delhi Capitals | 5.75 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 6.25 |
| Gujarat Giants | 9.00 |
| UP warriorz | 14.50 |
Did You Know? The WPL is projected to generate approximately $500 Million in revenue by 2027, significantly boosting the Indian sports economy.
The 2026 WPL mega auction is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on November 27th. UP Warriorz, boasting the largest available purse of INR 14.5 crore and four Right to Match (RTM) cards, are expected to be aggressive bidders.Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, having retained their core players, will need to strategically allocate their limited funds.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on uncapped Indian players during the auction. They often represent high-value, low-cost acquisitions that can significantly contribute to a team’s success.
Understanding Player Retention Strategies
Player retention in franchise cricket leagues like the WPL is a complex process that requires careful consideration of factors such as player form, market value, team dynamics, and future potential. Teams often prioritize retaining core players who have consistently performed well and are integral to their playing style. However, they also need to balance this with the need to build a well-rounded squad and maximize their auction budget.
The WPL’s retention rules, which mandate the inclusion of uncapped Indian players, are designed to promote domestic talent and provide opportunities for emerging cricketers. This not only strengthens the league’s overall quality but also fosters a sustainable ecosystem for women’s cricket in India. BCCI initiatives further support this growth.
Frequently Asked Questions about WPL Player Retention
- What is the purpose of player retention in the WPL?
Player retention allows teams to retain key players and build a consistent core for the upcoming season, providing stability and continuity.
- How many players can each WPL franchise retain?
Each franchise can retain a maximum of five players, with specific rules regarding the number of capped Indian and overseas players.
- What is a Right to Match (RTM) card?
An RTM card allows a team to match the highest bid for a player they previously retained during the auction.
- how does player retention affect a team’s auction purse?
Retaining players reduces a team’s available auction purse based on a tiered system, with higher-profile players costing more.
- What is the significance of retaining uncapped Indian players?
Retaining uncapped Indian players helps promote domestic talent and provides them with valuable opportunities to showcase their skills.
- When is the WPL 2026 mega auction scheduled to take place?
The WPL 2026 mega auction is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on November 27.
what are your predictions for the most impactful acquisitions at the WPL 2026 auction? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
How does the retention of Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah rodrigues, and Smriti Mandhana contribute to the UP Warriorz’s strategic approach for the 2025 WPL season?
Harmanpreet, Jemimah, Smriti retained as UP Warriorz Assemble New Squad for INR 14.5 Crore IPL Season
The UP Warriorz have announced their retained players and unveiled a revamped squad for the upcoming season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). With a total purse of INR 14.5 crore, the franchise has strategically built a team aiming for championship contention. Key players Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Smriti Mandhana form the core of the retained talent, signaling a strong intent for the 2025 WPL season.
Key Retentions: The Foundation of the Warriorz
The retention of these three indian stars is a notable statement. Their experience and proven performance in international cricket and the previous WPL season make them invaluable assets.
* Harmanpreet Kaur: The Indian captain brings leadership and explosive batting power to the middle order. Her ability to change the course of a match is crucial.
* Jemimah rodrigues: Known for her dynamic strokeplay and agility on the field, Jemimah adds versatility to the batting lineup. She’s a consistent run-scorer and a valuable asset in the powerplay.
* Smriti Mandhana: A world-class opener, Smriti’s elegant strokeplay and ability to anchor the innings are vital for setting a strong foundation. Her experience as a captain also adds depth to the team’s leadership.
These retentions demonstrate the UP Warriorz’s commitment to building around established Indian talent, a strategy often seen in prosperous IPL and WPL franchises.The focus on retaining top-order batters suggests a proactive approach to scoring and setting competitive totals.
New Acquisitions: Strengthening the Squad
The UP Warriorz utilized their auction strategy to address key areas needing reinforcement. While specific details of all acquisitions are still emerging, several notable additions have been confirmed.
* All-Rounders: Recognizing the importance of balance, the team invested in several all-rounders capable of contributing with both bat and ball. This provides tactical flexibility and strengthens the lower order.
* Fast Bowling Depth: Adding pace and variety to the bowling attack was a priority. The acquisitions include both experienced international fast bowlers and promising domestic talents.
* Spin Options: Complementing the existing spin attack, the warriorz secured additional spin options, catering to different match situations and opposition lineups.
Auction Strategy & Purse Management
The INR 14.5 crore purse was carefully managed during the auction. The franchise adopted a balanced approach,prioritizing key players while also securing valuable depth.
- early Bids for Core Players: The Warriorz made strong bids early on for players identified as crucial to their strategy.
- Strategic Bidding: Avoiding bidding wars for players who didn’t perfectly fit their requirements allowed them to conserve funds for targeted acquisitions.
- Focus on Indian Talent: A significant portion of the purse was allocated to retaining and acquiring Indian players, ensuring a strong domestic core.
This approach reflects a well-defined auction strategy aimed at maximizing value and building a cohesive team. The emphasis on Indian players also aligns with the WPL’s objective of promoting domestic talent.
Player Roles and Potential Lineups
With the squad now assembled, speculation is rife about potential playing XIs. Here’s a possible look at how the UP Warriorz might line up:
* Opening Pair: Smriti Mandhana and a dynamic partner (potentially a new acquisition).
* Middle Order: Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, and key all-rounders.
* Lower Order: Specialist batters and finishing all-rounders.
* Bowling Attack: A combination of pace and spin, led by experienced international bowlers and supported by domestic talents.
The flexibility within the squad allows for tactical adjustments based on pitch conditions and opposition strengths. The presence of multiple all-rounders provides options for both batting and bowling changes.
WPL 2025: Expectations and challenges
The WPL is rapidly gaining prominence as a platform for women’s cricket.The UP Warriorz, with their strengthened squad, are expected to be strong contenders. However, they face stiff competition from other franchises who have also made strategic acquisitions.
* Competition: Teams like Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Bangalore have also built formidable squads.
* Consistency: Maintaining consistency throughout the tournament will be crucial for success.
* Adaptability: The ability to adapt to different conditions and opposition strategies will be key.
The UP Warriorz’s success will depend on their ability to gel as a team, execute their strategies effectively, and capitalize on the strengths of their key players. The retention of harmanpreet, Jemimah, and Smriti provides a solid foundation, but the new acquisitions will need to integrate seamlessly into the team dynamic.
Benefits of a Strong Squad
A well-rounded and strategically built squad offers several benefits:
* increased Chances of Success: A balanced team with depth in all departments substantially increases the likelihood of winning matches and competing for the championship.
* Player Development: The presence of experienced players provides opportunities for younger talents to learn and develop their skills.
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