Top 10 Most Expensive Players in WPL History (2023–2026)

The Women’s Premier League auction landscape has changed significantly since 2023.

Teams now invest higher amounts to secure proven performers across batting, bowling, and all-round categories.

The 2026 mega auction brought competitive bidding for established international stars and emerging Indian talent.

Multiple players crossed the ₹2 crore mark, reflecting the league’s commercial growth and franchise willingness to pay premium rates.

Top 10 Most Expensive Players in WPL History 2026

This analysis covers the most expensive players in wpl history 2026, tracking auction prices from the inaugural 2023 season through the latest mega auction cycle.

Top 10 Most Expensive Players in WPL History (2023–2026)

The WPL 2026 auction players list with price shows steady investment in specialist roles, particularly all-rounders and quality pace bowlers.

List of Most Expensive Players in WPL History

1. Smriti Mandhana (₹3.40 Cr)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured Mandhana at the 2023 auction, establishing the highest bid in league history. Her opening prowess, leadership credentials, and commercial appeal justified the premium investment.

The Smriti Mandhana WPL price reflects franchise confidence in her ability to anchor innings while maintaining aggressive scoring rates during powerplay phases.

2. Deepti Sharma (₹3.20 Cr)

UP Warriorz retained Sharma using their Right to Match card at the 2026 mega auction. Her off-spin control and middle-order batting provide tactical flexibility across match situations.

Sharma became the wpl most expensive player 2026 among Indian picks, demonstrating that consistent international performance translates to auction premium.

3. Ashleigh Gardner (₹3.20 Cr)

Gujarat Giants acquired Gardner in 2023 for her dual-threat capability. She disrupts batting partnerships through off-spin variations while accelerating scoring rates in middle-overs phases.

Her fielding mobility adds defensive value, making her a complete package for franchise requirements.

4. Nat Sciver-Brunt (₹3.20 Cr)

Mumbai Indians invested in Sciver-Brunt’s proven ability to handle pressure situations. Her medium-pace bowling complements primary strike options while her batting provides stability across positions.

Overseas all-rounders command premium bids due to immediate impact potential and limited availability slots within squad composition rules.

5. Amelia Kerr (₹3.00 Cr)

Mumbai Indians secured Kerr after competitive bidding in 2026. Quality leg-spinners remain scarce in women’s T20 cricket, and Kerr combines wicket-taking ability with lower-order finishing skills.

She holds the distinction of being the women ipl most expensive player 2026 among overseas acquisitions, reflecting her consistent WPL contributions.

6. Shikha Pandey (₹2.40 Cr)

UP Warriorz picked Pandey at the 2026 auction for her swing bowling expertise. She operates effectively during powerplay restrictions and maintains control during death-over phases.

Her experience adds leadership depth to the bowling unit without requiring captain responsibilities.

7. Jemimah Rodrigues (₹2.20 Cr)

Delhi Capitals secured Rodrigues in 2023 for middle-order stability. She rotates strike consistently while identifying boundary opportunities, preventing scoring rate collapses during rebuilding phases.

Her fielding energy complements her batting contributions across match situations.

8. Shafali Verma (₹2.00 Cr)

Delhi Capitals invested in Verma’s powerplay aggression at the inaugural auction. Her boundary-hitting approach puts immediate pressure on bowling attacks, creating scoring advantages within the first six overs.

Verma was the wpl most expensive player in 2023 among Indian openers, reflecting the franchise’s belief in her match-winning potential despite limited T20 franchise experience.

9. Annabel Sutherland (₹2.00 Cr)

Delhi Capitals acquired Sutherland in 2024 for pace bowling depth. Her height generates extra bounce on responsive surfaces while her lower-order batting provides finishing options.

She handles pressure moments with composure, delivering key breakthroughs or late-innings runs as match situations require.

10. Kashvee Gautam (₹2.00 Cr)

Gujarat Giants made Gautam the highest-priced uncapped player in WPL history during 2024. Her raw pace and swing ability suggest significant upside potential for Indian pace bowling development.

Franchises increasingly invest in emerging talent to build long-term squad depth alongside established performers.

Conclusion: Smriti Mandhana is the Most Expensive Player of WPL

The most expensive players in wpl history 2026 represent franchise priorities around leadership, all-round skills, and specialist roles.

Auction prices continue tracking upward as league revenue grows and team budgets expand.

Mandhana’s ₹3.40 crore benchmark from 2023 remains unbroken despite competitive 2026 bidding.

Multiple players now exceed ₹3 crore valuations, indicating rising player compensation across the league.

• Auction Trends: Franchises prioritize proven international performers and emerging Indian talent with T20 skill sets. All-rounders consistently attract premium bids due to squad balance requirements and tactical flexibility.
• Indian Core Value: Teams build around dependable Indian players who understand domestic conditions. For context, the Harmanpreet Kaur WPL price was ₹1.80 crore in 2023, showing how leadership credentials influence valuations.
• Future Auctions: The wpl auction 2026 time demonstrated increased franchise spending power. The wpl auction 2026 players list included retention strategies alongside fresh acquisitions, shaping competitive squad compositions for upcoming seasons.

Also Check:

• Most Five-Wicket Hauls In WPL History
• Players With Most Wickets in WPL
• Players With Most Fours In WPL
• Women’s Premier League WPL Winners List From 2023 to 2026

About the Author

Karan

Administrator

Visit Website View All Posts