120 Players Set for WPL 2025 Auction with Major Names in the Fray
RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, are the defending champions after beating Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2024 final, held in Delhi. With many players looking to secure their place, the 2025 auction is expected to be a thrilling event for fans and franchises alike.
The 2025 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to witness an exciting player auction, with 120 players entering the fray to fill 19 available slots across five teams. This includes 91 Indian players—nine of whom are capped—and 29 international players, all hoping to secure a spot for the upcoming season.
Big Names Headline Auction
Among the standout players, several big names have set their reserve price at the highest tier of INR 50 lakh (approximately $60,000). These include experienced overseas stars such as Deandra Dottin, Heather Knight (who was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore - RCB), and South Africa's Lizelle Lee. On the Indian side, prominent players like Sneh Rana (released by Gujarat Giants - GG), Poonam Yadav (released by Delhi Capitals - DC), Shubha Satheesh (released by RCB), Tejal Hasabnis, and Mansi Joshi have also listed themselves in the auction.
Strong Overseas Contingent
The auction will also feature a solid line-up of overseas players looking to make an impact. England will have the second-highest representation after India, with eight players in the auction. Key English players include Lauren Bell (released by UP Warriorz - UPW), Maia Boucher, Sarah Glenn, and Sophia Dunkley, along with Knight. Additionally, Australia will be strongly represented with 12 players, including notable names like Amanda-Jade Wellington, Alana King, Kim Garth, Laura Harris (released by DC), and Darcie Brown, all hoping to secure contracts. Garth and South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk are familiar faces in the WPL, having played in previous seasons.
Associate Players Also Make the Cut
The auction will also feature players from Associate nations, including UAE’s Samaira Dharnidharka and Theertha Satish, as well as Scotland's Sarah Bryce. However, Kathryn Bryce, who was released by Gujarat Giants, has not registered for the auction.
WPL 2025 Auction Details
The WPL 2025 auction will take place on December 15 in Bengaluru. With the release of several key players and a deep pool of talent in both domestic and international cricket, the auction promises to be an exciting event.
Team Vacancies Ahead of Auction
Ahead of the auction, each of the five WPL teams has released players, opening up spaces for fresh talent. Here’s a breakdown of the vacancies for each team:
- Delhi Capitals: 4 vacancies, including one overseas player
- Gujarat Giants: 4 vacancies, including two overseas players
- Mumbai Indians: 4 vacancies, including one overseas player
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 4 vacancies, no overseas players
- UP Warriorz: 3 vacancies, including one overseas player
RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, are the defending champions after beating Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2024 final, held in Delhi. With many players looking to secure their place, the 2025 auction is expected to be a thrilling event for fans and franchises alike.
