The stage is set for the first-ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction, scheduled for November 27, 2025, in New Delhi. Following India’s sensational Women’s World Cup triumph earlier this year, excitement is already building as all five franchises gear up to finalize their player retentions and Right to Match (RTM) options.
When and Where Is the Auction Happening?
According to reports from IANS, New Delhi has officially been selected as the host city, edging out Goa. The one-day event will likely be held at a luxury hotel in Aerocity, as Bharat Mandapam remains unavailable due to the India International Trade Fair (IITF) running from November 14–27.
“There was a toss-up between November 26, 27, and 28. But the BCCI has now confirmed November 27 as the final date,” sources told IANS.
Player Retention Rules
The retention deadline for the five teams — Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants — is set for Wednesday.
Each franchise can retain a mix of capped, uncapped, and overseas players within the following limits:
- Up to 3 capped Indian players
- Up to 2 overseas players
- Up to 2 uncapped Indian players
If a team retains all five players, at least one must be an uncapped Indian. The total auction purse for each franchise stands at INR 15 crore.
Retention Costs & Purse Deductions
The value of each retained player will directly affect a team’s purse. Here’s the breakdown:
| Player | Retention Cost |
| Player 1 | ₹3.5 crore |
| Player 2 | ₹2.5 crore |
| Player 3 | ₹1.75 crore |
| Player 4 | ₹1 crore |
| Player 5 | ₹50 lakh |
Depending on the number of players retained, deductions from the ₹15 crore purse will be:
| Players Retained | Purse Deduction |
| 5 | ₹9.25 crore |
| 4 | ₹8.75 crore |
| 3 | ₹7.75 crore |
| 2 | ₹6 crore |
| 1 | ₹3.5 crore |
Teams can also use up to five RTM cards, but franchises that retain all five players will lose the RTM option entirely.
Important Dates to Remember
- Player Retention Deadline: Wednesday (Exact date not disclosed yet)
- Player Registration Closes: November 18
- Final Player List Released: November 20
- Mega Auction Day: November 27
How India’s World Cup Win May Shape the Auction
India’s World Cup victory has added a new twist to the retention strategies. Several franchises are expected to reconsider their existing squads to make room for top-performing Indian stars and standout overseas players from the tournament.
“A few teams may revise their retained lists to include players who played a key role in India’s World Cup win or impressed globally,” sources told IANS.
What to Expect Next
The upcoming WPL 2026 Mega Auction promises to be one of the most thrilling events in women’s cricket yet. With renewed rivalries, fresh talent, and strategic moves on the horizon, fans can look forward to a reshaped WPL that continues to raise the bar for the women’s game.
Catch every update on Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on The Cricket Scores!
