UP Warriorz secured Australia captain Sophie Molineux for Rs 1.10 crore to make her the most expensive player at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction on Wednesday, while Delhi Capitals signed Indian batter Kiran Navgire for Rs 75 lakh, the highest amount paid for an Indian player.
Molineux’s signing came after a competitive bidding battle with her former franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), which withdrew after the price reached Rs 1.05 crore. The Australian all-rounder has been among the leading performers for her national side this year.
RCB, the defending champions, remained without a signing during the initial 10 sets before making their first move in the accelerated round. They acquired Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen for Rs 40 lakh and South Africa’s Chloe Tryon for Rs 30 lakh. Grace Harris, released by RCB ahead of the auction, returned to UP Warriorz for Rs 30 lakh.
Of the 27 available slots across the five franchises, 25 were filled during the auction. UP Warriorz completed their squad after making eight signings, while Delhi Capitals and RCB were left with one vacancy apiece.
Gujarat Giants strengthened their lineup by signing wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini for Rs 40 lakh. Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast joined the franchise for Rs 30 lakh, while 16-year-old Samaira Raghav was acquired for Rs 10 lakh, marking her entry into the league.
Delhi Capitals also secured 15-year-old Karnataka all-rounder Uma Kashvi for Rs 10 lakh, making her the youngest player sold at a WPL auction. Scotland’s Kirstie Gordon and Nazma Khan were also picked up by the franchise for Rs 10 lakh each.
Mumbai Indians, who entered the auction with a purse of Rs 90 lakh, concentrated on strengthening their bench with uncapped Indian players. They signed Shweta Sehrawat for Rs 20 lakh, along with Akshita Bhagat, Disha Kasat, Latika Inamdar, Bharti Rawal and Sanika Chalke for Rs 10 lakh each.
UP Warriorz added further experience through India all-rounder Sneh Rana and wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma, both acquired for Rs 30 lakh. Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce, Manali Dakshini and Sahana Pawar joined for Rs 10 lakh each, while S Asha was signed for Rs 30 lakh.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and England batter Sophia Dunkley were among the notable names who went unsold. Athapaththu had a base price of Rs 30 lakh, while Dunkley’s base price was Rs 50 lakh.
The auction also highlighted the franchises’ interest in emerging Indian talent, with 12 of the 25 players sold being uncapped Indian cricketers.
