WPL 2027 Auction Concludes, Finalizing Team Squads Ahead of Upcoming Season
The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction concluded on December 10, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, finalizing the full squads for the five participating franchises: Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Giants (GG), and UP Warriorz (UPW). The auction saw teams strategize to fill remaining slots and bolster their rosters, setting the stage for the highly anticipated third season of the tournament.
Franchises utilized their remaining purse values to secure a mix of international stars, experienced domestic players, and emerging talents. Each team now comprises a maximum of 18 players, with a minimum of 15, ready for the league set to commence in early 2027. The acquisitions are expected to significantly influence team dynamics and the overall competitiveness of the upcoming WPL season.
The auction focused on addressing specific gaps identified by team managements during pre-auction planning. Mumbai Indians, known for their balanced approach, reinforced their bowling department, while Royal Challengers Bangalore aimed to strengthen their batting lineup. Delhi Capitals prioritised all-rounders, Gujarat Giants sought impact players, and UP Warriorz invested in youth and potential.
Key squad compositions following the WPL 2027 auction are as follows:
- Mumbai Indians (MI): The defending champions largely retained their core, adding a pace-bowling all-rounder, Elara Singh, for INR 2.5 crore, and two uncapped spinners. Their squad now boasts a strong balance of batters and bowlers, aiming for consistency.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): RCB made headlines with the acquisition of experienced international batter Anya Sharma for INR 2.8 crore, seeking to provide stability at the top order. The team also secured a fast bowler and two domestic middle-order players.
- Delhi Capitals (DC): The Capitals focused on versatile players, bringing in all-rounder Riya Patel for INR 1.8 crore to complement their existing talent. They also added an overseas pacer and a specialist wicketkeeper, rounding out a squad designed for flexibility.
- Gujarat Giants (GG): Gujarat Giants invested heavily in overseas talent, securing renowned wicketkeeper-batter Chloe Smith for INR 3.2 crore. Their strategy appears centered on building a formidable international contingent supported by robust domestic players, including two promising young batters.
- UP Warriorz (UPW): The Warriorz opted for a blend of youth and experience, acquiring emerging domestic talent Kavya Rao for INR 1.5 crore, alongside an overseas spinner and a seasoned Indian batter. Their squad reflects a focus on future potential and strong foundational players.
With squads now complete, teams are anticipated to commence pre-season training camps in the coming weeks. The final schedule for the WPL 2027 season is expected to be released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the near future, marking the official countdown to the tournament.