WPL 2027 Auction: Sophie Molineux, Sophia Dunkley Head Highest Base-Price List

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 mini-auction will take place in Kochi on October 28, with franchises preparing to complete their squads ahead of the new season, scheduled to begin on January 14.

Following the retention decisions announced in September, 27 squad positions remain available across the five franchises. The auction will present teams with an opportunity to address gaps in their combinations, strengthen their reserves and compete for some of the most sought-after names in women’s cricket.

UP Warriorz enter the auction with the largest remaining purse, giving them considerable financial flexibility. Mumbai Indians, in contrast, face a tighter budget and will need to be strategic in their recruitment. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants will also look to balance their remaining funds against their squad requirements.

While established international stars are expected to attract attention, the auction could also feature intense competition for domestic players who can fill specific roles.

Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux and England batter Sophia Dunkley are the two players registered at the highest base price of ₹50 lakh. Molineux offers the attraction of a left-arm spin option combined with batting ability, making her a potentially valuable acquisition for franchises seeking greater all-round depth. Her ability to contribute in multiple departments could make her a target for teams looking to strengthen their balance.

Dunkley, meanwhile, brings top-order batting experience and an attacking approach. Her availability offers franchises an opportunity to add international quality to their batting line-ups. With only two players occupying this price bracket, their eventual auction values will depend on the number of franchises competing for their services and the budgets available to those teams.

Four players registered at ₹40 lakh

The next price category features four players, comprising two Australians and two Indians. Australian all-rounders Jess Jonassen and Heather Graham headline the overseas contingent in this bracket. Both offer experience and the potential to contribute with the ball and lower-order batting, giving franchises options beyond specialist roles.

India’s Kiran Navgire and Gunalan Kamalini complete the group.

Navgire’s power-hitting ability makes her an interesting option for teams seeking additional batting firepower. Kamalini, meanwhile, offers the prospect of investing in a young Indian wicketkeeper-batter who can contribute to a team’s long-term plans. However, their ₹40 lakh base prices could have a significant impact on franchise strategies, particularly for teams operating with limited funds. Mumbai Indians, with only ₹90 lakh remaining and six positions to fill, would need to weigh any potential investment carefully.

The distribution of funds across the five franchises is likely to be one of the defining factors of the auction. UP Warriorz have the largest purse and could compete aggressively for players who address their immediate requirements. Mumbai Indians will have less room for expensive acquisitions, making lower-base-price options potentially more attractive.

For teams with multiple vacancies, the challenge will be to avoid spending too much on one player at the expense of overall squad depth. A successful auction will require franchises to identify their priorities and maintain discipline when bidding escalates.

The 27 available slots also mean that players across different price categories will have opportunities to secure contracts. While marquee names naturally draw attention, affordable domestic cricketers could prove equally important in completing balanced squads.

A crucial auction before the January season

With the new WPL season beginning on January 14, the October 28 auction will determine the final shape of each franchise’s squad. For the teams, the task extends beyond acquiring the biggest names. They must find players who fit their existing combinations, provide cover for key positions and offer tactical flexibility across a demanding tournament.

Molineux and Dunkley headline the ₹50 lakh category, while Jonassen, Graham, Navgire and Kamalini form the ₹40 lakh group. Their auction outcomes will be closely watched, but the broader competition for 27 available positions could be just as consequential.

Ultimately, the franchises that combine targeted recruitment with sound financial decisions will be best placed to enter WPL 2027 with competitive and well-balanced squads.