The 2026 Women’s Premier League mega auction began with an unexpected twist. Australian captain Alice Hilly, a prominent wicket-keeper batter with a history of match-winning innings, remained unsold despite being the first name called in the auction.
Franchises cited fitness concerns as the main reason for avoiding her. Hilly had previously suffered muscle and finger injuries, and doubts lingered over her readiness to play at peak levels. In contrast, in 2023, the UP Warriors had secured her for INR 70 lakh, highlighting the unexpected nature of this development.
Across the auction, a total of 276 players were listed. There were 73 vacant spots in the five franchise squads, including 23 foreign player slots. The youngest participants were 16-year-old Indians Dia Yadav and Bharti Singh, while the most senior player was 37-year-old Sunim Ismail, a former South African pacer.
Franchise Retentions
| Franchise | Players Retained | Rights-to-Match |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | 5 | None |
| Delhi Capitals | 5 | None |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 4 | Available |
| Bengaluru Strikers | 3 | Available |
| Rajasthan Royals | 3 | Available |
In the auction’s first hour, Hilly became the centre of attention. Analysts suggest that her future in the league is still possible if she can prove her fitness.
The mega auction has already set the tone for a thrilling WPL season. Fans are eagerly watching to see which players are snapped up in the coming rounds, and the mix of international and domestic stars ensures plenty of excitement and debate.