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The cricketing world is buzzing as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) released its much-anticipated retention list. This crucial announcement sets the stage for a high-stakes mega auction later this month, promising significant shake-ups for all five franchises.
India’s ODI World Cup-winning stars — Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Shafali Verma — headline the players who have secured their spots. However, some bold decisions, including the release of a prominent captain, have sent ripples through the league.
WPL Retention Rules: A Strategic Game
Franchises navigated a strict set of rules when deciding on their retentions. Each team could keep a maximum of:
- Three Indian capped players
- Two overseas stars
- Two Indian uncapped players
Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals were the only two sides to retain the maximum five players, indicating a strong core and clear vision for their upcoming season.
Team-by-Team: Who Stayed, Who Left?
The retention window saw a mix of expected retentions and surprising releases, as teams strategized for the WPL mega auction.
Mumbai Indians: Keeping the Core Strong
The defending champions, Mumbai Indians, have held onto their leadership and key performers. Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the side, supported by formidable international talents.
Retained Players:
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Hayley Matthews
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Amanjot Kaur
- G Kamalini
Notably, MI released key players like Amelia Kerr, Pooja Vastrakar, and Yastika Bhatia, who now enter the auction pool, adding more star power for other franchises.
Delhi Capitals: A Bold Leadership Change
In a surprising move, Delhi Capitals opted to part ways with their skipper Meg Lanning, despite her leading them to three consecutive final appearances. This bold decision signals a new direction for the team.
Retained Players:
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Shafali Verma
- Annabel Sutherland
- Marizanne Kapp
- Niki Prasad (uncapped)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Faith in Familiar Faces
Royal Challengers Bengaluru maintained faith in their established core, ensuring key domestic and international talents remain with the squad.
Retained Players:
- Smriti Mandhana
- Ellyse Perry
- Shreyanka Patil
- Richa Ghosh
Players like Sophie Molineux, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sneh Rana, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge have been released, creating openings for fresh talent.
UP Warriorz: Pressing the Reset Button
UP Warriorz made the most drastic changes, retaining just a single player. This signals a complete overhaul and a strategic rebuild for the upcoming season.
Retained Player:
- Shweta Sehrawat (Under-19 World Cup-winning batter)
The release of marquee stars like Alyssa Healy, Deepti Sharma, and Sophie Ecclestone was particularly shocking. Deepti Sharma’s departure is one of the biggest surprises, especially given her stellar form and back-to-back Player of the Tournament awards in recent major competitions.
Gujarat Giants: Sticking with Australian Power
Gujarat Giants chose to retain their formidable Australian duo, focusing on established overseas firepower.
Retained Players:
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Beth Mooney
South Africa’s ODI World Cup top-scorer Laura Wolvaardt, along with Harleen Deol and Kashvee Gautam, were notable releases from the Gujarat Giants squad.
WPL Mega Auction: The Right to Match & Key Dates
With RCB, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz retaining fewer than five players, these three sides will be the only ones eligible to use the coveted ‘Right to Match’ (RTM) card at the WPL mega auction.
The highly anticipated WPL mega auction is scheduled for November 27 in New Delhi. This event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, as franchises battle it out to build their ideal squads for the upcoming season.
Detailed WPL Retained Players List & Values
Here’s a breakdown of the retained players and their respective values:
- Mumbai Indians:
- Nat Sciver-Brunt: INR 3.5 Cr
- Harmanpreet Kaur: INR 2.5 Cr
- Hayley Matthews: INR 1.75 Cr
- Amanjot Kaur: INR 1 Cr
- G Kamalini: INR 50 lakh
- Delhi Capitals:
- Jemimah Rodrigues: INR 2.2 Cr
- Shafali Verma: INR 2.2 Cr
- Annabel Sutherland: INR 2.2 Cr
- Marizanne Kapp: INR 2.2 Cr
- Niki Prasad: INR 50 lakh
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
- Smriti Mandhana: INR 3.5 Cr
- Richa Ghosh: INR 2.75 Cr
- Ellyse Perry: INR 2 Cr
- Shreyanka Patil: INR 60 lakh
- Gujarat Giants:
- Ashleigh Gardner: INR 3.5 Cr
- Beth Mooney: INR 2.5 Cr
- UP Warriorz:
- Shweta Sehrawat: INR 50 lakh
Conclusion: The Stage is Set for WPL Excitement
The WPL retention list has certainly delivered its share of surprises and strategic moves. While some teams opted for continuity, others have signaled a complete revamp, indicating an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.
With star players hitting the auction pool and the strategic RTM card in play for some franchises, the WPL mega auction on November 27 promises to be a captivating event. Cricket fans can look forward to seeing how these decisions shape the future of their favorite WPL teams and contribute to another thrilling Women’s Premier League season.
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