WPL 2027 Auction: Top Buys, Team Squads and Season Dates

1. When Was the WPL 2027 Auction Held?

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 player auction was held on October 28, 2026, in Kochi, Kerala. Organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the mini-auction allowed five franchises to strengthen their squads ahead of the upcoming season. The bidding was scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time, with teams competing for available Indian and overseas players. The auction was an important step in finalising the squads for the fifth edition of the tournament.

2. How Many Players Were Included in the WPL 2027 Auction?

The auction list initially featured 146 shortlisted players, including 119 Indian and 27 overseas cricketers. Four additional players were subsequently reported to have joined the list, taking the total to 150. Across the five franchises, 27 squad positions were available to be filled. Teams had to balance their remaining budgets with their requirements for batters, bowlers, wicketkeepers and all-rounders while complying with squad composition rules.

3. Who Was the Most Expensive Player at the WPL 2027 Auction?

Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux emerged as one of the headline signings, joining UP Warriorz for ₹1.10 crore after competition with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Her base price was ₹50 lakh. Molineux had previously been part of RCB’s title-winning squad in 2024 but missed the 2026 season. Her signing gives UP Warriorz an experienced international all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. The final impact of the deal will depend on her availability and performances during the competition.

4. Which Indian Players Attracted Attention at the Auction?

Several Indian players secured new contracts during the auction. Delhi Capitals signed Kiran Navgire for ₹75 lakh, while Gujarat Giants acquired G. Kamalini for ₹40 lakh. UP Warriorz signed Indian all-rounder Sneh Rana for ₹30 lakh, adding experience to their squad. The teams used the auction to strengthen their Indian player options and fill gaps left by released players. These acquisitions will provide additional selection choices when franchises prepare their playing combinations for the season.

5. Which Teams Participated in the WPL 2027 Auction?

All five WPL franchises participated: Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz. Before the auction, the teams completed their retention process, with 63 players retained across the five squads. The remaining squad positions were available for bidding, subject to each franchise’s budget and player requirements. The auction gave teams an opportunity to add fresh talent and experienced international cricketers before the next season.

6. When Will the WPL 2027 Season Start?

The WPL 2027 season is scheduled to begin on January 14, 2027, and conclude on February 7, 2027. It will be the fifth edition of the women’s T20 league, which began in 2023. The competition features leading Indian and international players representing the five franchises. Fans can follow official league announcements for the confirmed match schedule, venues and broadcast details as the tournament approaches.

7. Which Notable Players Went Unsold at the WPL 2027 Auction?

Some recognised players reportedly remained unsold during the auction, including Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu. An unsold result means that no franchise selected the player during the relevant bidding process. Depending on the auction rules and available squad positions, teams may have further opportunities to consider eligible players in later stages. Such outcomes illustrate the competitive nature of the auction, where franchises must make decisions based on budgets, squad balance and specific team requirements.

8. Where Can Fans Find Official WPL 2027 Auction Updates?

Fans can find official auction information, team announcements and tournament updates on the WPL website. The auction results will help determine how the five franchises approach the season, but team success will ultimately depend on performances on the field. With the tournament scheduled to begin on January 14, 2027, supporters can look forward to seeing how new signings such as Sophie Molineux, Kiran Navgire and Sneh Rana contribute to their respective teams. The official league channels remain the best place to check confirmed fixtures and any subsequent changes.