India all-rounder Deepti Sharma fetched the second-highest price in Women’s Premier League history, but Australia captain Alyssa Healy remained unsold in the 2026 auction.
28-year-old Deepti returned to UP Warriors for 3.2 crore Indian rupees (about £272,000), just short of the record 3.4 crore Indian rupees paid by Royal Challengers Bangalore for India opening batsman Smriti Mandhana in 2023.
The 35-year-old Healy was the only player not sold in the initial marquee set, with England’s Sophie Ecclestone returning to UP Warriors for INR 85 lakh (about £75,000).
New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr was the second most expensive signing on the day, returning from two-time champions Mumbai Indians for 3 crore Indian rupees (about £226,000).
Australia’s Meg Lanning also joined the Warriors, while South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt moved to Delhi Capitals, although she is unlikely to play the same role there, with her co-owner saying they would prefer an Indian captain.
England fast bowler Lauren Bell and spinner Lynsey Smith have been signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore, while batsman Danny Wyatt-Hodge has joined Gujarat Giants.
India bowler Shikha Pandey was the surprise recipient of the third-biggest contract of the auction, bought by the Warriors for INR 2.4 crore.
Other Indian players selected include Warriors signing batsmen Harleen Deol and Pratika Raval and fast bowler Kranti Gaur, while spinner Shree Charnani has joined the Capitals.
England players who were not selected include Heather Knight, Amy Jones and Sophia Dunkley.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was the only England player retained for next year’s tournament, other overseas players included Australia’s Beth Mooney and Ash Gardner.
The tournament will take place earlier than usual, between January 9 and February 5.
<a href