WPL 2027 Auction: UP Warriorz Snag Sushma Verma for Rs 30 Lakh
UP Warriorz secure wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma for Rs 30 lakh in the WPL 2027 mini-auction, while several stars go unsold.
The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 mini-auction witnessed a mix of strategic acquisitions and surprising disappointments on Wednesday. In a key move to bolster their batting and keeping department, the UP Warriorz successfully secured the services of wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma for a sum of Rs 30 lakh.
Sushma Verma Makes a Comeback
UP Warriorz raised their paddle to grab Sushma Verma at her base price of Rs 30 lakh. The move marks a significant opportunity for the wicketkeeper-batter, who was previously associated with the Gujarat Giants during the league's inaugural season in 2023. Interestingly, Sushma's return to the spotlight comes after a long hiatus from the international stage, having last played a T20 International nearly a decade ago.
The Unsold List: Big Names Miss Out
While the UP Warriorz found their target, the auction proved to be a tough day for several other high-profile players, particularly wicketkeepers and overseas fast bowlers who failed to attract a single bid.
Indian Talent Left Behind
- Uma Chetry: Despite being a member of India's ODI World Cup-winning squad and the first cricketer from Assam to represent the national team, Chetry went unsold at her base price of Rs 30 lakh. She had previously played for the UP Warriorz.
- Taniya Bhatia: The former Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper also failed to find a buyer, with no franchise showing interest in her services.
- Titas Sadhu: The swing bowler and member of the 2023 Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup-winning team went unsold, despite having prior experience with both the Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals.
- Nuzhat Parween and Saima Thakor: Both former UP Warriorz players were left without a team. Thakor, who broke through in 2024, struggled in the 2025 season where she failed to claim a wicket.
Overseas Stars Fail to Attract Bids
The international contingent also faced a quiet day at the auction table. Several fast bowlers, including World Cup winners, were left unsold at their base price of Rs 30 lakh:
- Rosemary Mair: The New Zealand fast bowler, a key part of the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad, did not receive any bids.
- Tayla Vlaeminck: The Australian pace sensation also went unsold.
- Mithali Ayodhya: The 19-year-old Sri Lankan seam bowler failed to attract interest from the franchises.
Auction Context and Squad Building
The WPL 2027 mini-auction was designed for franchises to fine-tune their rosters and fill critical gaps before the new season kicks off. With a total of 146 players entering the auction pool and only 27 available slots across the five competing teams, the competition for spots was intense, leaving many seasoned professionals and rising stars searching for a team.