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The Women’s Premier League (WPL), launched in 2023, has transformed the landscape of women’s cricket, establishing itself as a premier platform for the sport globally. It has not only showcased extraordinary talent but has also become a stage for intense competition among franchises, creating financial and professional milestones for players. With three successful editions so far, the league’s auctions have become a much-anticipated event, symbolizing the growing stature and marketability of women’s cricket.
The evolution of WPL auctions
The WPL’s auction format, starting from its inaugural mega auction in 2023, has evolved into a strategic and high-stakes affair. Players from across the globe are scouted, analyzed, and bid on, with franchises investing heavily in proven performers and emerging talents. The league has seen staggering bids that reflect its financial growth and the value placed on top-tier athletes.
Over three seasons, the auctions have seen a mix of marquee international players and promising domestic stars emerge as game-changers. The inaugural WPL 2023 mega auction set the tone, with several records broken in terms of player bids. The subsequent mini-auctions in 2024 and 2025 carried forward the excitement, albeit with a more targeted focus on squad depth and long-term investments.
Smriti Mandhana: A record-breaking icon
Smriti Mandhana, India’s batting sensation, remains the undisputed queen of the WPL auction. She made history in the inaugural WPL 2023 mega auction when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured her services for a record-breaking ₹3.4 crore, outbidding Mumbai Indians (MI) in a fierce showdown. This monumental bid not only highlighted Mandhana’s stature as a cricketer but also set a benchmark for player valuations in the WPL.
Mandhana’s first season with RCB ended in disappointment as the team exited during the league stage. However, she redeemed herself by leading RCB to their maiden WPL title in 2024, further solidifying her legacy as one of the most valuable players in women’s cricket.
The rise of global superstars
The WPL has also become a lucrative platform for international stars. Ashleigh Gardner, the Australian all-rounder, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, the English all-rounder, hold the distinction of being the joint second-most expensive players in WPL history. Both were signed for INR 3.20 crore during the 2023 auction – Gardner by Gujarat Giants and Sciver-Brunt by Mumbai Indians.
These signings emphasized the WPL’s global appeal, with franchises willing to invest heavily in foreign talent. Gardner and Sciver-Brunt also remain the most expensive overseas players in the league’s history, highlighting the premium placed on their match-winning abilities.
Indian stars commanding premium bids
Beyond Mandhana, several Indian players have fetched substantial bids, reflecting their importance to franchise strategies:
- Deepti Sharma: Bought by UP Warriorz for INR 2.60 crore in the 2023 auction, making her the most expensive Indian all-rounder in the league.
- Jemimah Rodrigues: Signed by Delhi Capitals for INR 2.20 crore, showcasing her value as a middle-order mainstay.
- Shafali Verma: The dynamic opener was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 2.00 crore, highlighting her explosive batting capabilities.
Uncapped players shining bright
The WPL has also provided a platform for uncapped players to shine. Keshavee Gautam, a promising pacer, became the most expensive uncapped player in the league’s history when Gujarat bid INR 2.00 crore for her during the 2024 auction. This trend underscores the franchises’ focus on nurturing young talent and building squads for the future. Players like Gautam represent the league’s commitment to providing opportunities to emerging stars, bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket.
Also READ: All you need to know about G. Kamalini: 16-year-old prodigy fetched a whopping price in WPL 2025 auction
Top 10 most expensive players in Women’s Premier League history
Here’s a detailed list of the top 10 most expensive players in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) history, including their price tags and notable contributions.
1. Smriti Mandhana (India) – INR 3.40 Crore
Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Edition: WPL 2023
Smriti Mandhana leads the chart as the most expensive player in WPL history. Acquired by RCB, her aggressive top-order batting and leadership qualities make her a vital asset. Despite a challenging 2023 campaign, her skills and consistency remain unmatched.
2. Ashleigh Gardner (Australia) – INR 3.20 Crore
Team: Gujarat Giants (GG), Edition: WPL 2023
Gardner’s remarkable all-round skills earned her one of the highest bids. Known for her powerful hitting and wicket-taking spin bowling, she has proved her worth as a match-winner in key moments.
2. Nat Sciver-Brunt (England) – INR 3.20 Crore
Team: Mumbai Indians (MI), Edition: WPL 2023
One of the finest all-rounders in the world, Sciver-Brunt’s ability to perform in high-pressure scenarios with both bat and ball has been a game-changer for Mumbai Indians, contributing significantly to their inaugural title win.
4. Deepti Sharma (India) – INR 2.60 Crore
Team: UP Warriorz, Edition: WPL 2023
The Indian spin-bowling all-rounder’s tactical brilliance and finishing skills make her indispensable for UP Warriorz. She consistently delivers both economical spells and impactful performances with the bat.
5. Jemimah Rodrigues (India) – INR 2.20 Crore
Team: Delhi Capitals, Edition: WPL 2023
Jemimah’s elegant stroke play and ability to stabilize the innings make her one of the best young talents. Her signing by Delhi Capitals reflects her growing importance in the shorter formats of the game.
6. Shafali Verma (India) – INR 2.00 Crore
Team: Delhi Capitals, Edition: WPL 2023
Shafali, known for her explosive batting in the powerplay, was a strategic acquisition for Delhi Capitals. Her fearless approach sets her apart, often giving her team a commanding start.
6. Keshavee Gautam (India) – INR 2.00 Crore
Team: Gujarat Giants, Edition: WPL 2024
An uncapped Indian pacer, Gautam stunned the cricketing world with her record-breaking bid in WPL 2024. Unfortunately, she was ruled of the ahead of the second season due to her raw pace. Her raw pace and potential make her a promising talent to watch out for in the future.
6. Annabel Sutherland (Australia) – INR 2.00 Crore
Team: Delhi Capitals, Edition: WPL 2024
The Australian all-rounder’s hard-hitting ability and seam bowling add versatility to any squad. Delhi Capitals made a smart investment, banking on her consistency and reliability.
6. Beth Mooney (Australia) – INR 2.00 Crore
Team: Gujarat Giants, Edition: WPL 2023
The reliable Australian opener was picked to lead Gujarat Giants. Despite injury setbacks, Mooney’s technical proficiency and leadership have been pivotal for her team.
10. Pooja Vastrakar (India) – INR 1.90 Crore
Team: Mumbai Indians, Edition: WPL 2023
Vastrakar’s fast-bowling all-round abilities make her a key player. Her finishing skills with the bat and wicket-taking spells are vital for Mumbai’s lower-middle order and bowling attack.
10. Richa Ghosh (India) – INR 1.90 Crore
Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Edition: WPL 2023
Richa’s fearless batting as a finisher and her wicketkeeping skills made her a top target for RCB. She has been a consistent performer in clutch moments, cementing her place in the team.
10. Simran Shaikh (India) – INR 1.90 Crore
Team: Gujarat Giants, Edition: WPL 2025
The young talent caught everyone’s attention in WPL 2025 with her big-hitting potential in middle order and fielding brilliance and a player who can leg spin bowling. Gujarat Giants invested heavily in her, eyeing a long-term contribution. She was a part of UP Warriorz in 2022 but was released due to poor performance an went eventually unsold in the second season’s auction.
Also READ: WPL 2025 Auction: Complete list of sold players with their price
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
