Indian ODI World Cup stars first choice for Franchises in WPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)  announced the player retention list for the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season, with franchises holding on to their marquee stars ahead of the player auction on November 27.

Delhi Capitals retained Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, and overseas allrounder Marizanne Kapp, ensuring a strong core of match-winners. Mumbai Indians opted to continue with Harmanpreet Kaur and Natalie Sciver, while Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, and G Kamalini also remain in their squad.Royal Challengers Bengaluru kept Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Australian star Ellyse Perry, strengthening their top-order firepower. Gujarat Giants retained Australians Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney, while UP Warriorz backed young talent Shweta Sehrawat.

Across the five franchises, 17 players, including seven overseas stars and three uncapped players, have been retained, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive TATA WPL 2026.Franchise strategies suggest a mix of continuity and fresh acquisitions, with UP Warriorz holding the largest remaining salary cap of Rs 14.5 crore, indicating potential big-ticket signings.

The league, entering its fourth season, comes off the high of India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 triumph, adding further excitement for fans.The TATA WPL 2026 Player Auction in New Delhi is expected to draw intense interest as teams look to balance their squads around their star players while chasing the league crown.<>