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WPL Mega Auction Set for November 27: Delhi Hosts Historic Player Bidding

The Women's Premier League is gearing up for its first-ever mega auction on November 27 in New Delhi. All five franchises face critical decisions about which players to retain before Wednesday's deadline. The auction features complex rules including retention slabs and Right to Match options that could reshape team rosters. India's recent World Cup victory might influence last-minute retention strategies as teams consider standout performers.

Key Points: WPL Mega Auction November 27 New Delhi Player Retention Rules

  • Mega auction moves to Aerocity hotel after Bharat Mandapam venue conflict
  • Teams can retain maximum 3 capped Indian and 2 overseas players
  • INR 15 crore auction purse with retention slabs up to INR 3.5 crore
  • Right to Match option allows franchises to buy back former players
  • Player registration deadline November 18 before final list release
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WPL mega auction to be held on November 27 in New Delhi: Sources

WPL 2026 mega auction scheduled for November 27 in New Delhi with INR 15 crore purse. Teams face Wednesday deadline for player retention decisions amid World Cup impact.

"A few franchises may have a relook at their retained players list to accommodate the ones who did well for India in winning the trophy - Sources"

New Delhi, Nov 4

The mega player auction for the 2026 season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be held on November 27 in the national capital, sources aware of the development told IANS on Tuesday.

IANS had previously reported on October 22 that New Delhi edged Goa to emerge as the top choice to be the host city of the mega auction set to be held for the first time in WPL’s history. “There was a toss-up between November 26, 27, and 28. But it has now been communicated to all five franchises by the BCCI that the auction will be on November 27,” further said sources.

In terms of the venue for the auction to be held for one day, IANS understands that a plush hotel in Aerocity could be the venue for the WPL mega auction, especially after it emerged that the initial choice, Bharat Mandapam, will be busy hosting the India International Trade Fair (IITF) from November 14-27.

The player retention deadline for all five WPL teams - two-time winners Mumbai Indians, 2024 winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru, three-time runners-up Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants – is on Wednesday.

Each franchise will be allowed to retain a maximum of three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players. If a team chooses to retain five players, at least one must be an uncapped Indian player. The auction purse has been set at INR 15 crore.

Retention slabs have been defined as follows: INR 3.5 crore for Player 1, INR 2.5 crore for Player 2, INR 1.75 crore for Player 3, INR 1 crore for Player 4, and INR 50 lakh for Player 5. The Right to Match (RTM) option will enable franchises to buy back players who were part of their 2025 WPL squads, with a cap of five RTMs per team.

Depending on the number of retained players, the corresponding deductions from the purse will be: INR 9.25 crore for five players, INR 8.75 crore for four, INR 7.75 crore for three, INR 6 crore for two, and INR 3.5 crore for one.

The number of RTMs available will vary accordingly - franchises retaining fewer players will have more RTMs at their disposal. Teams using all five retentions will forfeit the RTM option entirely. The final date for WPL mega auction player registration is November 18, while the final list of players in the auction will be released on November 20.

IANS understands that India's win in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup could have a late impact on WPL teams’ player retention strategies.

“A few franchises may have a relook at their retained players list to accommodate the ones who did well for India in winning the trophy. The same goes for a few overseas players who did well in the World Cup,” further said sources.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The retention rules seem quite strategic. Smart move by BCCI to include RTM options - gives teams flexibility while maintaining competitive balance. Hope Delhi Capitals finally gets their title this time!
A
Ananya R
Interesting how the World Cup performance might influence retention decisions. Our women's team did India proud 🇮🇳 and they deserve these opportunities. WPL has truly changed the game for women's cricket in our country.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the growth of WPL, I wish they had more transparency about the auction process. The sources-based reporting leaves many questions unanswered about player valuations and team strategies.
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Vikram M
The ₹15 crore purse with structured retention slabs is a good system. It prevents rich franchises from hoarding all star players. Looking forward to seeing some smart bidding strategies from UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants!
K
Kavya N
As a Mumbai Indians fan, I'm nervous about their retention choices! They need to rebuild after two championships. The uncapped Indian player rule is excellent for discovering new talent from domestic circuits.

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