WPL Mini Auction 2027 Today in Kochi: 146 Players Set to Go Under the Hammer, UP Warriorz Have the Biggest Purse, 6 Players to Watch
The Women’s Premier League 2027 mini auction is set to attract significant attention as five franchises prepare to strengthen their squads ahead of the upcoming season. The auction is scheduled to take place in Kochi, with bidding expected to begin at 5:30 PM IST. A total of 146 players are included in the auction pool, but only 27 slots are available across the five teams. Of these, just seven slots are reserved for overseas players, making the competition for team spots particularly intense.
Ahead of the auction, UP Warriorz have the biggest remaining purse at Rs 3.75 crore, while Mumbai Indians have the smallest budget at Rs 90 lakh. This financial difference could play a crucial role in shaping the strategies of the franchises. UP Warriorz have greater flexibility to target experienced international stars and promising Indian players, whereas Mumbai Indians will need to make every bid count.
Six players expected to attract attention include Australian all-rounders Sophie Molineux and Jess Jonassen, Scotland wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Bryce, and young Indian batters Vrinda Dinesh, Ira Jadhav and Sanika Chalke. Their performances, versatility and potential contributions could make them attractive options for teams looking to fill specific gaps in their squads.
WPL Mini Auction 2027: Key Highlights
The WPL 2027 mini auction will feature 146 players competing for just 27 available places. The auction pool includes both Indian and overseas cricketers, with franchises expected to focus on players who can make an immediate impact.
The limited number of overseas slots could make the competition particularly challenging for international players. Teams will have to carefully assess their requirements before bidding, prioritising players who offer the right combination of experience, skills and versatility.
Each franchise can have a maximum of 18 players in its squad, including up to six overseas players. The overall spending limit is Rs 15 crore per team, including the amounts allocated to retained players.
Before the auction, the five franchises retained a total of 63 players, including 23 overseas cricketers. The remaining vacancies will now be filled according to each team’s budget, squad composition and strategic priorities.
UP Warriorz Have the Biggest Purse, Mumbai Indians Face Budget Pressure
The amount of money available to each franchise is expected to influence its auction strategy significantly. UP Warriorz enter the auction with Rs 3.75 crore remaining, while Mumbai Indians have only Rs 90 lakh left to spend.
UP Warriorz Have More Flexibility in the Auction
UP Warriorz are in the strongest financial position among the five franchises, with Rs 3.75 crore available for new signings. This gives them greater flexibility to target experienced players, strengthen their batting order and add depth to their bowling attack.
The franchise will need to identify the positions that require immediate reinforcement. All-rounders could be particularly valuable because they provide multiple options within a limited squad size.
UP Warriorz may also consider investing in promising Indian domestic players who have delivered impressive performances in recent competitions. Young talent can offer long-term value while helping the franchise maintain a balanced squad.
However, a larger purse does not automatically guarantee success. The team will need to avoid overspending on individual players and ensure that enough money remains to fill its other vacant positions.
Mumbai Indians Must Make Every Bid Count
Mumbai Indians have the smallest remaining purse at Rs 90 lakh. This leaves the franchise with limited room to compete in bidding wars for expensive players.
The team may therefore prioritise affordable domestic talent and players who can fill specific roles. Identifying undervalued cricketers could be particularly important for Mumbai Indians as they look to complete their squad without exceeding their available budget.
The franchise already has several established international stars, so its auction strategy may focus on strengthening depth and finding economical options rather than making expensive purchases.
WPL Mini Auction Rules: What You Need to Know
The mini auction allows franchises to make targeted changes to their existing squads while retaining most of their established players. Unlike a major squad overhaul, the focus is on filling vacancies and addressing specific weaknesses.
Each team can have a maximum of 18 players, including up to six overseas cricketers. The total spending limit is Rs 15 crore, and the cost of retained players counts towards that amount.
With only 27 slots available for 146 players, the auction is expected to be highly competitive. Some players may attract multiple bids, while others may remain unsold because of limited vacancies or differences between their skills and the requirements of individual teams.
Will the Right to Match Card Be Available?
The Right to Match, commonly known as the RTM card, is a mechanism that can allow a franchise to retain a released player by matching a competing team’s bid, subject to the rules of the relevant auction.
According to the auction information provided, RTM cards will not be available in this mini auction. This means franchises will need to secure their preferred players through the regular bidding process.
The absence of an RTM option could influence bidding strategies, particularly when teams compete for players who have previously represented another franchise. Once a player is acquired through the auction, the purchasing team will have the advantage of securing that player’s services for the upcoming season.
Mini Auction vs Mega Auction: What Is the Difference?
A mini auction generally allows franchises to retain most of their existing squads and make a limited number of changes. Teams focus on filling vacant places, strengthening weak areas and adding players who fit their established combinations.
A mega auction, on the other hand, involves a broader restructuring of team squads. Franchises operate under retention limits and must rebuild much of their playing group through the auction process.
The retention rules and availability of RTM cards depend on the regulations announced for the particular auction. Therefore, teams and fans should refer to the official rules for the relevant season rather than assume that the same provisions apply every year.
WPL Mini Auction 2027: Six Players to Watch
Several experienced international cricketers and exciting young Indian players could attract attention during the auction. Their recent performances, versatility and potential value make them important names to watch.
1. Sophie Molineux: An Experienced Australian All-Rounder
Base price: Rs 50 lakh
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux is one of the prominent names in the auction pool. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a valuable option for franchises looking to strengthen multiple departments with a single signing.
Molineux has experience in international cricket and franchise tournaments. She also played an important role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign in 2024.
Her all-round abilities could make her particularly attractive to teams that need a reliable bowling option alongside additional batting depth. She can help control the middle overs with the ball while providing useful runs when required.
Her experience in high-pressure matches could also prove beneficial to a franchise seeking players who understand the demands of competitive T20 cricket.
With a base price of Rs 50 lakh, Molineux could attract interest from teams looking for an experienced overseas all-rounder. However, the final bidding price will depend on the level of competition among franchises.
2. Jess Jonassen: A Proven Spin-Bowling All-Rounder
Base price: Rs 40 lakh
Australian spin-bowling all-rounder Jess Jonassen is another experienced player who could attract bids. She has previously represented Delhi Capitals in the WPL and understands the conditions and demands of the competition.
According to the statistics provided, Jonassen has scored 295 runs and taken 33 wickets in 24 WPL matches. These numbers underline her value as a player who can contribute in both departments.
Her left-arm spin can help teams control the middle overs and create pressure on opposition batters. With the bat, she can provide useful runs and strengthen the lower middle order.
Jonassen could interest franchises seeking a dependable spin option with international experience. Teams looking to improve their bowling balance may consider her a practical choice, particularly if they want an established performer rather than an inexperienced player.
Her base price of Rs 40 lakh could make her an attractive option for teams seeking a proven all-rounder without immediately committing a large portion of their budget.
3. Sarah Bryce: A Valuable Wicketkeeper-Batter
Base price: Rs 10 lakh
Scotland wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Bryce could be an interesting option for franchises looking to strengthen their wicketkeeping and batting departments.
Bryce previously represented Delhi Capitals in the WPL in 2025. Her ability to contribute behind the stumps and with the bat gives teams additional flexibility when planning their playing XI.
Wicketkeeper-batters are often valuable in T20 cricket because they can fulfil two important roles within the same squad position. This can help teams maintain a balanced combination without sacrificing batting depth.
Her international performances have also helped establish her as a player worth considering. A franchise looking for an affordable wicketkeeping option could view Bryce as a useful addition.
With a base price of just Rs 10 lakh, she could be an economical signing if a team believes her skills match its requirements. Her eventual demand will depend on the availability of other wicketkeepers and the overseas-player composition of each squad.
4. Vrinda Dinesh: An Aggressive Young Indian Batter
Base price: Rs 10 lakh
Indian batter Vrinda Dinesh is another player who could attract attention during the auction. She has previously represented UP Warriorz and has demonstrated her ability to score quickly in domestic and emerging-player competitions.
According to the supplied figures, Vrinda scored 171 runs in five innings at the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. She also made 256 runs in seven innings in the 2026 Maharani T20 Trophy, striking at 192.48.
These performances highlight her potential as an aggressive batter who can put pressure on opposition bowlers. Her ability to score at a high rate could make her useful in the top or middle order, depending on the team’s combination.
UP Warriorz may consider bringing her back into their squad, while other franchises could also assess her potential based on their batting requirements.
At a base price of Rs 10 lakh, Vrinda represents a potentially affordable domestic option for a team seeking an attacking batter with room to develop further.
5. Ira Jadhav: A Young Talent with Impressive Scoring Ability
Base price: Rs 10 lakh
Indian batter Ira Jadhav has attracted attention for her remarkable performances in age-group cricket. In the 2025 Under-19 One-Day Trophy, she reportedly scored 346 runs off 157 balls for Mumbai against Meghalaya.
The innings demonstrated her ability to build a large score while maintaining an aggressive approach. She has also been recognised for her achievements in junior domestic women’s cricket.
For a young batter, an opportunity in the WPL could provide valuable exposure to experienced international bowlers and high-pressure matches. Joining a professional franchise could help her develop her skills and gain experience at a higher level.
Mumbai Indians could consider her as a potential addition, particularly if they want to invest in young Indian batting talent. However, any decision will depend on the franchise’s available budget, squad requirements and assessment of her readiness for senior-level T20 cricket.
With a base price of Rs 10 lakh, Jadhav could be a player to watch if teams decide to invest in promising domestic prospects.
6. Sanika Chalke: A Left-Handed Batter with Attacking Potential
Base price: Rs 10 lakh
Indian left-handed batter Sanika Chalke is another young player who could draw attention in the mini auction. She was part of India’s Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2025.
According to the supplied figures, Chalke scored 223 runs in five matches in a Mumbai T20 competition. She also strengthened her case with an innings of 85 runs off 53 balls against Jharkhand in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy.
Her aggressive batting approach could make her useful in a team looking for a player capable of accelerating the scoring rate. Left-handed batters can also provide variety to a batting order, especially when teams want to disrupt bowlers’ lines and lengths.
Chalke’s domestic performances suggest that she could be a promising long-term investment for a franchise seeking young Indian talent.
Mumbai Indians may consider her as one of their options, although competition for the available slots and the team’s remaining purse will influence any potential bid.
WPL 2027: Players Retained by All Five Franchises
The retained players form the foundation of each franchise’s squad. Their roles and strengths will influence which positions teams target during the mini auction.
Delhi Capitals Retained Players
Delhi Capitals have retained 13 players, including Marizanne Kapp, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Shafali Verma, Shri Charani, Chinelle Henry, Laura Wolvaardt, Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Nandani Sharma, Lucy Hamilton, Mamatha Madiwala and Diya Yadav.
The squad combines established international performers with promising Indian players. Delhi can use the auction to strengthen specific departments and add depth to its existing lineup.
Gujarat Giants Retained Players
Gujarat Giants have retained 15 players: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Renuka Singh Thakur, Yastika Bhatia, Kim Garth, Tanuja Kanwar, Anushka Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Kanika Ahuja, Jintimani Kalita and Happy Kumari.
The franchise has several experienced all-rounders, specialist bowlers and wicketkeeping options. Its auction strategy will depend on the remaining vacancies and the areas in which additional depth is required.
Mumbai Indians Retained Players
Mumbai Indians have retained 12 players: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, Sajana Sajeevan, Shabnim Ismail, Nicola Carey, Vaishnavi Sharma, Sanskriti Gupta, Rahila Firdous and Tara Norris, who joined through a trade.
The squad includes several established international stars. However, with only Rs 90 lakh remaining, Mumbai will need to make careful decisions to complete its squad and identify affordable players who can contribute effectively.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Retained Players
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have retained 13 players: Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, Lauren Bell, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Georgia Voll, Sayali Satghare, Prema Rawat and Kumar Pratyusha.
The squad features a combination of experienced batters, all-rounders and bowling options. RCB may look to add further depth according to its remaining vacancies and the roles it wants to strengthen.
UP Warriorz Retained Players
UP Warriorz have retained 10 players: Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Harleen Deol, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal, Shipra Giri and Simran Shaikh.
With Rs 3.75 crore remaining, UP Warriorz have the biggest purse among the five franchises. Their relatively smaller retained group also means they have several places to fill before completing their squad.
The team could target experienced players who can strengthen its immediate chances while also considering young Indian cricketers who can provide depth and long-term value.
Which Team Could Benefit the Most from the WPL Mini Auction?
Success in the mini auction will not depend solely on how much money a franchise spends. Teams will need to balance their available budgets, vacant slots and existing strengths to build a competitive squad.
UP Warriorz have the financial advantage, but they must distribute their spending wisely. Mumbai Indians face a different challenge, as their limited purse requires them to focus on value-for-money signings.
Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will also need to identify players who complement their retained squads.
Experienced all-rounders such as Sophie Molineux and Jess Jonassen could attract attention because they offer flexibility in both batting and bowling. Meanwhile, Sarah Bryce could provide wicketkeeping depth, while Vrinda Dinesh, Ira Jadhav and Sanika Chalke represent opportunities to invest in emerging Indian talent.
The final outcome will depend on bidding competition, player availability and the priorities of each franchise.
Conclusion
The WPL Mini Auction 2027 promises to be an important event for all five franchises as they prepare for the upcoming season. With 146 players in the auction pool and only 27 vacancies available, competition for squad places is expected to be intense.
UP Warriorz enter the auction with the biggest remaining purse of Rs 3.75 crore, while Mumbai Indians must work with a comparatively modest budget of Rs 90 lakh.
Sophie Molineux and Jess Jonassen could attract interest because of their all-round abilities and experience. Sarah Bryce offers a wicketkeeping option, while Vrinda Dinesh, Ira Jadhav and Sanika Chalke could appeal to franchises seeking promising Indian batting talent.
Ultimately, the most successful franchise will be the one that makes the smartest decisions rather than simply spending the most money. The auction could reshape squad combinations, create opportunities for emerging cricketers and provide a clearer picture of the teams competing for the WPL 2027 title.
