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UP Warriorz' WPL Power Play: Deepti, Ecclestone Return Amid Lanning's Rs 1.9 Crore Deal

UP Warriorz made strategic moves in the WPL 2026 auction by bringing back their former stars. They used RTM cards to secure Deepti Sharma for Rs 3.2 crore and Sophie Ecclestone for Rs 85 lakh. The franchise also splurged Rs 1.9 crore to sign Australian batting legend Meg Lanning. These acquisitions strengthen UP Warriorz' squad significantly ahead of the new season.

Key Points: UP Warriorz Secure Deepti Sharma Ecclestone Lanning WPL Auction

  • Deepti Sharma secured for Rs 3.2 crore after intense bidding war with Delhi Capitals
  • Sophie Ecclestone joins for Rs 85 lakh following RCB and DC competition
  • Meg Lanning signs massive Rs 1.9 crore deal after Delhi Capitals stint
  • WPL 2026 auction features 277 players including 194 Indian cricketers
  • UP Warriorz rebuild squad after releasing both Deepti and Ecclestone previously
2 min read

UP Warriorz get Deepti, Ecclestone via RTM, bag Aussie legend Lanning for Rs 1.90 crore

UP Warriorz use RTM cards to retain Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone while signing Australian legend Meg Lanning for Rs 1.9 crore in WPL 2026 auction.

"Warriorz used the RTM and raised her price to Rs 3.2 crore - Auction Report"

New Delhi, November 27

UP Warriorz (UPW) acquired the services of the Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma and England star player Sophie Ecclestone via Right-to-Match (RTM) card during the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction on Thursday.

Deepti, who was the player of the tournament earlier this month at the Women's ODI World Cup, saw Delhi Capitals (DC) make the opening bid of Rs 50 lakh. However, Warriorz used the RTM and raised her price to Rs 3.2 crore. Capitals rejected the offer, and Deepti headed to UPW.

Sophie, on the other hand, kept her price at Rs 50 lakh. The England star saw an opening bid by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Delhi joined the fray. Both franchises entered in a heated battle, but Warriorz once again used their RTM to secure Sophie's services. Ecclestone was sold for Rs 85 lakh. Interestingly, both Deepti and Sophie played for UPW last season but were released ahead of the WPL 2026 auction.

UPW signed Australian legend Meg Lanning for Rs 1.9 crore. She was previously with Delhi Capitals (DC) in the WPL.

The WPL auction will see a total of 277 players going under the hammer, including 194 Indian players and 83 overseas players. Of the 194 Indian players, 52 are capped, while 83 overseas players feature 66 capped players.

The marquee players' list featured top names such as Deepti and Renuka Singh from India, and New Zealand stars Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr. It also includes England's star spinner Ecclestone, Aussie legends Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning, the latter being the three-time runners-up with Delhi Capitals (DC) and 2025 Women's World Cup leading run-getter Laura Wolvaardt.

The youngest players in the auction are 16-year-olds Deeya Yadav and Bharati Singh, while former South African pacer Shabnim Ismail is the oldest at 37.

Each franchise will be allowed to build a squad of upto 18 players. A total of 73 slots have to be filled, including 23 overseas slots.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Meg Lanning for ₹1.9 crore is a steal! She's a proven champion and brings so much experience to the team. UPW looking very strong for WPL 2026.
A
Ananya R
I'm a bit concerned about the budget management though. Spending big on three star players might leave less money for building a balanced squad. Hope they don't regret this strategy later.
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Vikram M
Deepti Sharma's price shows how much women's cricket has grown in India! From struggling for recognition to crorepati players - what a journey! 🇮🇳✨
S
Sarah B
Sophie Ecclestone for ₹85 lakh is fantastic value! She's the world's best spinner and will form a deadly combination with Deepti. UPW's bowling attack looks formidable.
K
Karthik V
Great to see our Indian women cricketers getting the recognition and money they deserve. Deepti's performance in the World Cup was outstanding - she earned this! 💪

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