Archive · 7 Nov 2025
WPL 2026: Teams Finalize Released Players Ahead of Mega Auctions
Think of the Women's Premier League (WPL) like a big player swap meet for the upcoming season.
Teams have decided which players they want to keep for sure.
Some teams, like the UP Warriorz, decided to let almost everyone go to start fresh, hoping to find new stars at the big auction with lots of money.
Other teams are keeping most of their key players, like Mumbai Indians, who want to stick with their winning team.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals let go of some famous players, including their captains, to make room for new talent.
Gujarat Giants are also making big changes, keeping only a couple of players.
These choices are important because teams want to build the best possible team to win the championship next year, and the auction is where they'll pick up new players.
WPL franchises have announced their lists of released players ahead of the 2026 mega auctions.
UP Warriorz have released all but one player, aiming for a complete squad rebuild and possessing the most auction flexibility.
Mumbai Indians have retained their core players, releasing only a few international names and having no RTM cards.
RCB and Delhi Capitals have released notable international stars and experienced Indian players, including former captains, indicating strategic shifts.
Gujarat Giants have also made significant releases, retaining only Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney, to build a stronger core.
- Who
- Five Women's Premier League (WPL) franchises: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz.
- What
- Franchises announced their lists of released players ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auctions, with UP Warriorz making the most significant number of releases.
- When
- On Thursday, ahead of the mega auctions later in the month.
- Where
- Women's Premier League (WPL).
- Why
- To strategically rebuild squads, manage finances, and optimize team composition for the upcoming WPL 2026 season by making significant player retention and release decisions.
UP Warriorz - Wholesale Rebuild
Other Franchise Strategies - Selective Releases
Player Retention Approach
UP Warriorz - Wholesale Rebuild
UP Warriorz have released all but one player (Shweta Sehrawat), indicating a complete squad overhaul with the largest auction purse and four RTM cards to rebuild from scratch.
Other Franchise Strategies - Selective Releases
Mumbai Indians retained their core, releasing only a few international names. RCB and Delhi Capitals made notable releases, including experienced captains and international stars, while retaining key Indian players and having a few RTM cards. Gujarat Giants released almost all players except two, signaling a major rebuild but retaining core international talent.
Rationale for Releases
UP Warriorz - Wholesale Rebuild
The UP Warriorz's decision to release established international and Indian players suggests a strategy to address past performance issues and build a new title-contending squad with significant flexibility in the auction.
Other Franchise Strategies - Selective Releases
RCB released World Cup winners and established internationals to manage their squad and auction strategy. Delhi Capitals released their long-term captain, Meg Lanning, and key Indian players, suggesting a potential leadership change and a need for fresh talent. Gujarat Giants aim to build a stronger core after releasing most players, focusing on improving their Indian contingent.
- Event
- WPL 2026 Player Retention and Releases
- Announcement Date
- Thursday
- Mumbai Indians Notable Releases
- Amelia Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Shabnim Ismail, Yastika Bhatia
- RCB Notable Releases
- Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Georgia Wareham
- Delhi Capitals Notable Releases
- Meg Lanning, N Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Shikha Pandey, Jess Jonassen
- Gujarat Giants Notable Releases
- Laura Wolvaardt, Phoebe Litchfield, Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol
- UP Warriorz Notable Releases
- Alyssa Healy, Sophie Ecclestone, Tahlia McGrath, Deepti Sharma, Kiran Navgire, Kranti Gaud
- RTM Cards (Estimated)
- UP Warriorz (4), Gujarat Giants (3), Mumbai Indians (0), RCB (1), Delhi Capitals (Unknown, but likely fewer than UP/GG)
Sources
Laura Wolvaardt, Deepti Sharma released as WPL teams announce 2026 retention list
WPL player retention list: How much Mandhana and Kaur were paid? Check full list
WPL 2026: Abhishek Nayar reveals why UP Warriorz decided to retain only 1 player ahead of the auctions
Mumbai Indians Wouldn't Have Wanted A Mega Auction : JioStar Expert Veda Krishnamurthy
