The anticipation is building for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction, with details regarding its date and venue now beginning to emerge. While formal announcements are still pending, the event is widely expected to take place in the vibrant city of New Delhi, narrowing down to an exciting window between November 26 and 27. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously hinted at an auction period spanning November 26 to 29, so this latest informal communication to franchises aligns closely with earlier indications.
The likely venue in New Delhi, reported by sources like Cricbuzz, sets the stage for what is anticipated to be a swift, single-day affair. Given that only five teams participate in the WPL, each with a maximum squad size of 18 players, the entire process is designed for efficiency. This means even if up to 90 players are listed, the auction is unlikely to be prolonged. However, significant player retentions by franchises are expected, which could further streamline the event.
Key Rules and Guidelines for the WPL 2026 Auction:
Teams face a crucial deadline of November 5 to submit their lists of retained players. A maximum of five retentions are permitted, each carrying a specific salary impact:
- First Player: Rs 3.5 crore
- Second Player: Rs 2.5 crore
- Third Player: Rs 1.75 crore
- Fourth Player: Rs 1 crore
- Fifth Player: Rs 50 lakh
This structure means retaining all five players would account for Rs 9.25 crore from the total Rs 15 crore player purse.
The BCCI has clarified that these guideline prices are primarily for salary cap calculations. The actual amount paid to individual players may differ, but the total sum based on the number of retained players will be factored into the overall salary cap.
Franchises also need to adhere to specific caps on player categories for retention:
- A maximum of three capped Indian players.
- Up to two uncapped players (with a guideline price of Rs 50 lakh per uncapped player).
- A maximum of two overseas players.
In addition to retentions, the BCCI has approved five ‘Right to Match’ (RTM) options. The number of RTMs a franchise can exercise is directly linked to their retention strategy. For instance, teams that retain all five players will forfeit their RTM options, whereas a franchise opting for no retentions could utilize all five RTMs. This adds another layer of strategic depth to the auction.
As the deadline approaches, franchises are diligently working to finalize their player retention strategies, preparing to build formidable squads for what promises to be another thrilling edition of the Women’s Premier League.