The second ever Mega Auction for the WPL has been concluded and there were some expensive buys that were made. The teams spent almost 41 crore and UP Warriorz with their 14.5 crores made the most of the auction. 67 Players were sold In total. Another piece of great news was the fact that the BCCI could be introducing 2 new teams to the WPL in a few years.
Let’s look at the 5 Most Expensive Players at the WPL Auction 2026
1) Deepti Sharma – 3.2 Crores (UP Warriorz)
The biggest gainer from this Mega Auction is Deepti Sharma. However it was not without drama. There was only one bid at 50 Lakhs. However, since UP Warriorz had the RTM option, Delhi Capitals raised the bid to 3.2 crores and UP Warriorz accepted the bid and Deepti Sharma was once again sold to UP Warriorz. Deepti deserves this kind of money for the incredible skills she has as a batter and a spin bowler. She was the man of the tournament in the 2025 Cricket World Cup.
2) Amelia Kerr – 3 Crores (Mumbai Indians)
Amelia Kerr was released by Mumbai Indians before the Auction. When her name came in the auction, Mumbai Indians were there from the start and they wanted to have their player back. They only had a limited purse but they spent 3 crores on it for just one player. She was the most important player for New Zealand to win the T20I World Cup. One of the best all rounders in the women’s game.
3) Shikha Pandey – 2.40 Crores (UP Warriorz)
This was the most surprising bid of the day. Shikha has been one of the best servants for Indian cricket but she has not played international cricket for a while. UP Warriorz were determined to have her on their team. They wanted an experienced fast bowler and Shikha will also guide Kranti Gaud in UP Warriorz. She has a big opportunity to play under Meg Lanning and she was emotional about it as well. She will have Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma as bowling partners.
4) Sophie Devine – 2 Crores (Gujarat Giants)
At number 4 is Sophie Devine who was picked up by Gujarat Giants. RCB tried to get her back but they were not successful. She has recently retired from international cricket but the destructive power and her six hitting ability will always be there. Gujarat Giants are a team in transition and they will now have an opening batter with Beth Mooney. That is a dangerous combination.
5) Meg Lanning – 1.90 Crores (UP Warriorz)
Meg Lanning was the 5th most expensive buy of the WPL Auction. UP Warriorz had 3 buys out of the 5 Most Expensive Buys of the Mega Auction. They have found their captain in Meg Lanning and she will be looking to win the one trophy that has eluded her with this brilliant team that Abhishek Nayar has assembled for the UP Warriorz. Meg Lanning will be a mentor to everyone in the team. Phoebe Litchfield will be her opening partner and that will easily be the most destructive opening pair.
