Five Franchises Finalise Retention Lists Before Kochi Auction
The five franchises in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) have completed their player retention process ahead of the 2027 season, with 63 players retained, including 23 overseas players. The retention window officially closed on September 28, setting up the next major stage of preparations for the upcoming season.
The five participating teams — Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz — have all finalised their retained players. With the retention lists now confirmed, franchises can turn their attention towards filling the remaining spaces through the player auction.
A total of 27 slots remain available, including seven overseas slots. This gives the franchises another opportunity to strengthen their squads before the 2027 competition begins. The auction is scheduled to take place in Kochi on October 28, 2026.
Several established international names remain with their respective franchises. Delhi Capitals have retained players including Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma, while Gujarat Giants have retained Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine and Renuka Singh.
Mumbai Indians continue to have major names such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews and Natalie Sciver-Brunt. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have retained Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh and Georgia Voll, while UP Warriorz have kept Deepti Sharma, Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield and Sophie Ecclestone.
The retention process has also resulted in several players being released by their franchises, creating additional opportunities ahead of the auction. The 27 vacant positions will now become a major focus as teams assess their squad requirements and available players.
UP Warriorz will enter the auction with the largest remaining purse of INR 3.65 crore. The auction in Kochi will therefore be another important stage in building the five squads for the fifth season of the WPL.
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