[CRK]
The 2026 WPL Retention Overview: Big Names, Bigger Salaries
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has officially set the stage for its 2026 season by releasing the comprehensive list of retained players. In a move that highlights the growing commercial value of women’s cricket, three superstars have secured the maximum retention bracket of INR 3.5 crore. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana, Mumbai Indians (MI) allrounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Gujarat Giants’ Ashleigh Gardner stand at the pinnacle of the financial ladder, underscoring their indispensable roles within their respective franchises.
As teams prepare for the upcoming mega auction scheduled for November 27 in Delhi, the retention strategies reveal a mix of loyalty to core performers and a ruthless desire to reset underperforming squads. With each franchise allocated a total purse of INR 15 crore, the decisions made this week will dictate the tactical flexibility each team possesses when the bidding starts.
Mumbai Indians: A Shift in the Hierarchy
In one of the more talked-about moves, Nat Sciver-Brunt emerged as the top retention for the Mumbai Indians, commanding the maximum INR 3.5 crore. Interestingly, she was listed ahead of the regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who was retained for INR 2.5 crore. This valuation shift suggests the franchise’s heavy reliance on Sciver-Brunt’s all-round capabilities. Mumbai also held onto Hayley Matthews (INR 1.75 crore) and Amanjot Kaur (INR 1 crore), alongside G Kamalini (INR 50 lakh). However, the release of heavy hitters like Amelia Kerr and the legendary Shabnim Ismail indicates that MI is looking to refresh their bowling and middle-order dynamics at the auction.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Investing in Leadership and Potential
Defending champions RCB have kept their core largely intact but with significant financial investment. Beyond Mandhana’s top-tier retention, the franchise made a massive statement by retaining wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh for INR 2.75 crore. New head coach Malolan Rangarajan emphasized the strategic importance of this move, noting Ghosh’s ability to handle pressure and her potential as a future leader. Legend Ellyse Perry remains a cornerstone of the squad at INR 2 crore, while rising star Shreyanka Patil was retained for INR 60 lakh. By releasing names like Sophie Devine and Renuka Singh, RCB has left themselves with one Right-to-Match (RTM) option to potentially bring back a familiar face.
Delhi Capitals: The End of the Lanning Era?
The Delhi Capitals provided perhaps the biggest shock of the window by releasing their captain and legendary leader Meg Lanning. Head coach Jonathan Batty described the decision as “really tough,” but pointed toward a future led by younger talent. Retaining Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Annabel Sutherland, and Marizanne Kapp all at a flat rate of INR 2.2 crore each shows a balanced approach to their top tier. The franchise is keeping its captaincy options open, with Rodrigues and Sutherland being prime candidates to lead the side in 2026.
Gujarat Giants: Holding the Line with Gardner and Mooney
The Gujarat Giants have opted for a more conservative retention strategy, keeping only two players: Ashleigh Gardner (INR 3.5 crore) and Beth Mooney (INR 2.5 crore). By releasing high-profile players like Laura Wolvaardt and Phoebe Litchfield, the Giants have entered the auction with the second-largest remaining purse (INR 9 crore) and three RTM options. This gives them immense power to outbid rivals for top-tier talent in Delhi.
UP Warriorz: The Radical ‘Clean Slate’ Strategy
The most dramatic approach came from the UP Warriorz, who retained only a single player: uncapped Indian youngster Shweta Sehrawat for INR 50 lakh. This means superstars like Deepti Sharma, Alyssa Healy, and Sophie Ecclestone have all been released. Head coach Abhishek Nayar explained that the “think tank” decided on a clean slate to maximize their purse (an massive INR 14.50 crore) and tactical flexibility. With four RTM options available, the Warriorz are in a unique position to dictate the market and potentially buy back their core players at lower prices or pivot to an entirely new roster.
WPL 2026 Retention Rules and RTM Dynamics
To ensure competitive balance, the WPL introduced specific retention limits for 2026. Franchises were permitted to retain a maximum of three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players. For the first time, teams have also been granted Right-to-Match (RTM) options, allowing them to match the final bid for a player who was part of their 2025 squad. This adds a new layer of complexity to the upcoming mega auction, as teams must weigh their remaining purse against the potential cost of bringing back their former stars.
Summary of Retentions and Purses
- Mumbai Indians: Spent INR 9.25 cr | Purse: INR 5.75 cr | 0 RTM
- RCB: Spent INR 8.85 cr | Purse: INR 6.15 cr | 1 RTM
- Delhi Capitals: Spent INR 9.3 cr | Purse: INR 5.7 cr | 0 RTM
- Gujarat Giants: Spent INR 6 cr | Purse: INR 9 cr | 3 RTM
- UP Warriorz: Spent INR 50 lakh | Purse: INR 14.50 cr | 4 RTM
As the cricket world turns its attention to the Delhi auction on November 27, all eyes will be on where released icons like Deepti Sharma and Amelia Kerr land, and how the UP Warriorz will deploy their massive war chest to rebuild their franchise from the ground up.
