The WPL 2026 took place on November 27, and the auction delivered some of the biggest bids in the league’s short history. Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma finished as the most expensive buy of the auction, picked up by UP Warriorz for around ₹3.2 crore.
UP Warriorz used the Right to Match (RTM) card to get their star all-rounder at the record price.
Among overseas stars, Amelia Kerr emerged as the costliest foreign signing, joining the Mumbai Indians for about INR 3 crore.
The auction also created history when Anushka Sharma, signed by Gujarat Giants for ₹45 lakh, became the most expensive uncapped player in WPL 2026.
Top 10 WPL Most Expensive Players 2026
Here is the list of the top 10 most expensive players in the WPL 2026 auction:
| Player | Team | Type | Base Price (Lakh) | Sold Price (Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deepti Sharma | UP-W | All-Rounder | 50 | 3.2 |
| Amelia Kerr | MI-W | All-Rounder | 50 | 3 |
| Shikha Pandey | UP-W | All-Rounder | 40 | 2.4 |
| Sophie Devine | GG-W | All-Rounder | 50 | 2 |
| Meg Lanning | UP-W | Batter | 50 | 1.9 |
| Shree Charani | DC-W | All-Rounder | 30 | 1.3 |
| Chinelle Henry | DC-W | All-Rounder | 30 | 1.3 |
| Phoebe Litchfield | UP-W | Batter | 50 | 1.2 |
| Laura Wolvaardt | DC-W | Batter | 30 | 1.1 |
| Asha Sobhana | UP-W | Bowler | 30 | 1.1 |
1. Deepti Sharma: INR 3.2 Crores
In a record-breaking auction, Deepti Sharma became the most expensive player, secured by UP Warriorz for ₹3.2 crore. Delhi Capitals led the bidding for the premium all-rounder; the Warriorz used their Right to Match (RTM) card to bring her back.
Deepti’s value skyrocketed after she was named the Player of the Tournament in the World Cup 2025. In her WPL career, she has been a powerhouse, scoring 507 runs and taking 27 wickets. This new deal surpasses Amelia Kerr’s ₹3 crore contract and has a well-deserved pay raise from her previous ₹2.6 crore salary.
2. Amelia Kerr: INR 3.2 Crores
Listed as the base price of ₹50 lakh, the New Zealand star Amelia Kerr received a massive return at the mega auction in New Delhi. MI-W secured her for ₹3 crore, just below Deepti Sharma’s record ₹3.2 crore deal with UP Warriorz.
At just 25, the leg-spinning all-rounder has impressed fans worldwide. Moreover, in earlier WPL seasons with MI-W, she played a key role by taking 40 wickets and scoring 457 runs in 29 matches.
3. Shikha Pandey: INR 2.4 Crores
Shikha Pandey’s base price of ₹40 lakh rose sharply after she was sold out to UP Warriorz for INR 2.4 crores. UP Warriorz and Royal Challengers Bengaluru fought for her; eventually, UP Warriorz secured her for 6 times the base price, reuniting her with former Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning.
Despite no India call-up since February 2023, the 36-year-old pacer remains in high demand. Moreover, she is the leading Indian wicket-taker in WPL with 30 wickets. Her experience will strengthen UPW’s pace attack ahead of WPL 2026 alongside Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and Asha Sobhana.
4. Sophie Devine: INR 2 Crores
The explosive all-rounder Sophie Devine entered the auction with a base price of ₹50 lakh and quickly drew interest from multiple teams. After bidding, GG-W secured her services for ₹2 crore.
The 36-year-old has scored 10,654 T20 runs at a strike rate above 127.48 and taken 349 wickets, a number no other player can match. Moreover, in past WPL seasons with RCB, she has scored 402 runs. Therefore, her arrival will add an asset to the Gujarat Giants team for the WPL 2026.
5. Meg Lanning: INR 1.9 Crores
The Australian opener Meg Lanning attracted heavy interest after she came into the WPL auction at the base price of ₹50 lakh. UP Warriorz bought her for INR 1.9 crores and appointed her as captain.
The 33-year-old has been the backbone of DC. She led the team to three straight WPL finals from 2023 to 2025 and scored 952 runs at a strike rate of 127.10. Although she retired from internationals in 2023, her league form remains elite. As WPL 2026 begins on January 9, her presence as a captain will bring calm, experience, and stability to the UPZ campaign.
6. Shree Charani: INR 1.3 Crores
The young spinner Shree Charani is in 5th place after the Delhi Capitals bought her for ₹1.3 crores. She was the costliest buy for the Delhi Capitals Women in the auction.
This left-arm orthodox bowler has already impressed in domestic cricket and in the Women’s World Cup 2025. She took 14 wickets in 9 matches at an economy of 4.96. Although still in her early 20s, she adds energy and balance to DC-W’s squad.
7. Chinelle Henry: INR 1.3 Crores
Delhi Capitals Women signed West Indian all-rounder Chinelle Henry for INR 1.3 crores ahead of WPL 2026. The deal marked a big jump in her value and highlighted the league’s growing focus on versatile players.
A native of Jamaica, the 29-year-old is known for powerful lower-order hitting and sharp medium-fast bowling. She has scored over 522 T20I runs at a strike rate of 92.06. Now with DC-W, Henry adds depth and balance. Her pairing with captain Meg Lanning strengthens the squad as the season begins on January 9, raising hopes of a strong title push.
8. Phoebe Litchfield: INR 1.2 Crores
UP Warriorz bid for Australian prodigy Phoebe Litchfield, and used their strong purse to secure her for INR 1.2 crores.
At just 22, the left-hand opener is the captain of Sydney Thunder in WBBL 2025-26 and has already scored 3,222 T20 runs at a strike rate of 126.45. She has impressed in the WPL and at the international level with fearless strokeplay. As WPL 2026 begins on January 9, Litchfield will provide quick runs for UP-W’s with explosive starts.
9. Laura Wolvaardt: INR 1.1 Crores
In the WPL mega auction, Laura Wolvaardt was bought by Delhi Capitals for INR 1.1 crores. In previous editions, she has played for the Gujarat Giants and scored 342 runs in just 13 matches.
The 26-year-old right-hand opener from South Africa Women has scored 5,825 T20 runs at a strike rate of 117.53. Apart from her batting, she will be helpful for the DC Women’s camp for her leadership skills. In the last 3 consecutive limited-overs Women’s World Cups, she has led her national team to the final.
10. Asha Sobhana: INR 1.1 Crores
At the WPL 2026 auction, Asha Sobhana emerged as a major signing when UP Warriorz secured her for INR 1.1 crore, with a base price of ₹30 lakh.
At 34, the Kerala leg-spinner brings experience and control. She has impressed in the WPL 2024 season and helped RCB-W lift the 1st-ever title, along with Shreyanka Patil, picking 10 wickets at an economy of just over 7, including a match-winning 4/22. She can also chip in with handy runs. Her addition will strengthen UP-W’s spin attack alongside Deepti Sharma.
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Conclusion: Deepti Sharma is the Most Expensive Buy of WPL 2026
Deepti Sharma is the biggest name of the WPL 2026 auction, becoming the most expensive player at ₹3.2 crore. Alongside her, stars like Amelia Kerr, Shikha Pandey, Sophie Devine, and Meg Lanning also drew massive attention with high-value deals.
With WPL 2026 around the corner, stay tuned for match previews, player stats, and expert insights.
