Three elite performers, Smriti Mandhana, Ashleigh Gardner, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, share the distinction of being the league’s highest-paid players at ₹3.50 crore in WPL 2026. The financial landscape of the Women’s Premier League has evolved dramatically since its inaugural auction in 2023, with franchises investing heavily in world-class talent.
The auction trends reveal a clear pattern: franchises are willing to break the bank for proven match-winners who combine consistent performance with strong leadership qualities. Players like Deepti Sharma, Amelia Kerr, Richa Ghosh, and Harmanpreet Kaur have also secured lucrative deals, underlining the premium placed on reliability and all-around capabilities in the tournament.
10 Most Expensive Players in WPL History (2023-2026)
The list below showcases the most expensive players across WPL auctions from 2023 to 2026. These record-breaking deals reflect the growing financial muscle of the league and the value teams assign to match-winners.
| No. | Player (Country) | Price | Retained/Purchased | Team | Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smriti Mandhana (India) | ₹3.50 crore | Retained | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women | WPL 2026 |
| 2 | Ashleigh Gardner (Australia) | ₹3.50 crore | Retained | Gujarat Giants Women | WPL 2026 |
| 3 | Nat Sciver-Brunt (England) | ₹3.50 crore | Retained | Mumbai Indians Women | WPL 2026 |
| 4 | Smriti Mandhana (India) | ₹3.40 crore | Purchased | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women | WPL 2023 |
| 5 | Ashleigh Gardner (Australia) | ₹3.20 crore | Purchased | Gujarat Giants Women | WPL 2023 |
| 6 | Nat Sciver-Brunt (England) | ₹3.20 crore | Purchased | Mumbai Indians Women | WPL 2023 |
| 7 | Deepti Sharma (India) | ₹3.20 crore | Purchased | UP Warriorz Women | WPL 2026 |
| 8 | Amelia Kerr (New Zealand) | ₹3.00 crore | Purchased | Mumbai Indians Women | WPL 2026 |
| 9 | Richa Ghosh (India) | ₹2.75 crore | Retained | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women | WPL 2026 |
| 10 | Harmanpreet Kaur (India) | ₹2.50 crore | Retained | Mumbai Indians Women | WPL 2026 |
1. Smriti Mandhana: INR 3.5 Crores
The left-handed opener’s value to Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women was evident when the franchise retained her for ₹3.5 crore before WPL 2026. Continuing in her dual role as captain and batting anchor, Mandhana represents the cornerstone of RCB-W’s ambitions after steering them to their maiden WPL championship in 2024.
Her numbers in the league speak volumes about her consistency. Across 30 matches, Mandhana has accumulated 812 runs while maintaining a strike rate of 131.81. Her ability to provide explosive starts at the top of the order, combined with her composed temperament during crucial phases, makes her indispensable. RCB-W’s decision to invest heavily in retaining her underscores their long-term vision built around her proven match-winning capabilities.
2. Ashleigh Gardner: INR 3.5 Crores
Gujarat Giants Women demonstrated unwavering faith in their skipper by retaining Ashleigh Gardner for ₹3.50 crore ahead of WPL 2026. The Australian all-rounder has become synonymous with the franchise’s identity, embodying their aspirations through her versatile contributions.
Gardner’s impact extends across all facets of the game. With 704 runs at a blistering strike rate of 145.45 from 29 matches, she has consistently propelled Gujarat’s middle order forward. Her off-spin has yielded 26 wickets at an economy of 8.60, providing crucial control and breakthroughs. Beyond statistics, her composed leadership and tactical acumen form the backbone of Gujarat Giants’ strategy for the upcoming campaign.
3. Nat Sciver-Brunt: INR 3.5 Crores
Mumbai Indians Women’s decision to retain Nat Sciver-Brunt for ₹3.50 crore at the WPL 2026 auction highlighted her irreplaceable status within the squad. The English all-rounder has established herself as the team’s go-to performer in pressure situations.
Her WPL resume is exceptional, 1,181 runs from 33 matches at an average of 45.42 and a strike rate of 142.63 showcase her batting prowess. Complementing this, her 39 wickets at an economy of 7.84 demonstrate her value with the ball. Sciver-Brunt’s ability to anchor innings, accelerate when needed, and break partnerships makes her an invaluable asset in MI-W’s pursuit of continued dominance.
4. Smriti Mandhana: INR 3.4 Crores
The inaugural WPL auction in 2023 witnessed a landmark moment when Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women acquired Smriti Mandhana for ₹3.40 crore, establishing her as the league’s first marquee signing. The elegant left-hander’s reputation as one of world cricket’s finest openers justified the investment.
Though her debut season yielded modest returns, 149 runs from 8 innings at an average of 18.62, Mandhana’s true value emerged in the following campaign. She transformed into a championship-winning captain, leading RCB-W to their first WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals Women in a commanding display of leadership and tactical brilliance.
5. Ashleigh Gardner: INR 3.2 Crores
Gujarat Giants Women secured Ashleigh Gardner’s services for ₹3.20 crore at the WPL 2023 auction, positioning her among the tournament’s most expensive overseas acquisitions. The Australians’ reputation for explosive lower-order hitting and crafty off-spin bowling made her a highly sought-after commodity.
Despite Gujarat’s struggles in the inaugural season, Gardner showcased her individual brilliance. Her ability to thrive on subcontinental pitches, combined with exceptional fielding and match-awareness, provided glimpses of her potential to single-handedly influence outcomes. The investment reflected Gujarat’s long-term vision of building around versatile game-changers.
6. Nat Sciver-Brunt: INR 3.2 Crores
Mumbai Indians Women invested ₹3.20 crore to bring Nat Sciver-Brunt onboard for WPL 2023, matching Gardner’s price tag. The English all-rounder immediately justified the expenditure by becoming instrumental in MI’s championship-winning debut campaign.
Her contributions were decisive throughout the tournament. Sciver-Brunt compiled 132 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 140, saving her best for the final with an unbeaten 60 off 55 balls that guided MI to the title. With the ball, she claimed 10 wickets, including match-turning figures of 3/21 against Gujarat Giants, all while maintaining an economy below 7.2. Her ice-cool temperament in high-pressure situations proved invaluable.
7. Deepti Sharma: INR 3.2 Crores
The WPL 2026 auction witnessed dramatic scenes when UP Warriorz secured Deepti Sharma for ₹3.2 crore, making her the costliest purchase of the event. Intense competition from Delhi Capitals drove the bidding higher before UP Warriorz exercised their Right to Match card to retain their star all-rounder.
Deepti’s elevated market value stemmed from exceptional recent performances, particularly her Player of the Tournament award at the 2025 World Cup. Her WPL credentials: 555 runs and 31 wickets. demonstrate sustained excellence across multiple seasons. UP Warriorz recognised that retaining such a versatile performer was essential to their championship aspirations.
8. Amelia Kerr: INR 3 Crores
Mumbai Indians Women made a significant statement at the mega auction in New Delhi by securing Amelia Kerr for ₹3 crore, making the New Zealand leg-spinner the second-most expensive player behind Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking deal.
The 25-year-old has established herself as one of the game’s premier all-rounders. Her previous WPL stints with MI-W yielded impressive returns. 50 wickets and 490 runs across 34 matches, proving her worth in both departments. Kerr’s ability to control the middle overs with her leg-spin while contributing valuable runs down the order makes her a complete package worth every rupee invested.
9. Richa Ghosh: INR 2.75 Crores
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women secured Richa Ghosh’s continued services for ₹2.75 crore before WPL 2026, recognising her importance as both a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter and a future superstar. The young Indian has become integral to RCB-W’s tactical framework.
Her explosive batting statistics are remarkable: 686 runs from 30 matches at a strike rate of 151.10. Ghosh’s fearless approach and ability to finish matches from challenging positions strengthen RCB-W’s lower middle order significantly. Beyond her batting heroics, her sharp wicketkeeping and high cricket intelligence add multiple dimensions to the team’s composition heading into the new season.
10. Harmanpreet Kaur: INR 2.5 Crores
Mumbai Indians Women’s retention of Harmanpreet Kaur for ₹2.5 crore ahead of WPL 2026 reaffirmed their commitment to continuity in leadership. The Indian superstar will continue steering MI-W as captain, a position in which she has already delivered two WPL championships through astute tactical decisions and inspirational leadership
Her explosive batting statistics are remarkable: 686 runs from 30 matches at a strike rate of 151.10. Ghosh’s fearless approach and ability to finish matches from challenging positions strengthen RCB-W’s lower middle order significantly. Beyond her batting heroics, her sharp wicketkeeping and high cricket intelligence add multiple dimensions to the team’s composition heading into the new season.
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Conclusion: Smriti Mandhana, Ashleigh Gardner, and Nat Sciver-Brunt are the most expensive players in WPL
The WPL 2026 auction reinforced the league’s status as a premier destination for women’s cricket, with Smriti Mandhana, Ashleigh Gardner, and Nat Sciver-Brunt commanding joint-highest valuations of ₹3.5 crore.
These record deals reflect franchises’ recognition that sustained success requires investing in proven champions who deliver both on-field excellence and strong leadership. As the tournament continues growing, expect even more competitive bidding for the world’s finest female cricketers.
