The opening round of the WPL 2026 auctions had a massive surprise with Australia's captain Alyssa Healy going unsold. The wicket-keeper batter, who is arguably among the most destructive batters in the world, couldn't attract a bid from her base price of Rs 50 lakh in the opening round.
While Healy not finding a bid is a surprise, veteran Aussie Meg Lanning got picked up by UP Warriorz who have made a great start to the auctions. Apart from getting the powerhouse captain from Australia for Rs 1.90 crore, the Warriorz also managed to retain Deepti Sharma through RTM for Rs 3.20 crore, currently the most expensive signing.
England's Sophie Ecclestone is the other player that UPW have RTMed, for a value price of Rs 85 lakh. Delhi Capitals have secured South Africa's captain Laura Wolvaardt for Rs 1.10 crore while Gujarat Giants made two efficient purchases. GG got Renuka Singh Thakur at Rs 60 lakh but more importantly, they have bagged New Zealand's veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine for Rs 2 crore.
Round 1 signings
Meg Lanning: UP Warriorz (Rs 1.90 crore)
Amelia Kerr: Mumbai Indians (Rs 3 crore)
Deepti Sharma: UP Warriors (RTM Rs 3.20 crore)
Laura Wolvaardt: Delhi Capitals (Rs 1.10 crore)
Sophie Devine: Gujarat Giants (Rs 2 crore)
Sophie Ecclestone: UP Warriorz (RTM Rs 85 lakh)
Renuka Singh Thakur: Gujarat Giants (Rs 60 lakh)