WPL 2027 Player Auction: 146 Stars Fight for 27 Slots in Kochi
146 cricketers will enter the WPL 2027 player auction in Kochi on October 28. Find out who the top picks and highest base price players are.
The excitement for the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) is reaching a fever pitch as the WPL 2027 player auction is set to take place in Kochi, Kerala, on October 28. With only 27 available slots across the five franchises, a massive pool of 146 players will go under the hammer, promising a high-stakes battle for squad spots.
The Numbers Game: Who is in the Pool?
The auction pool is heavily weighted toward domestic talent, reflecting the growth of the game within the country. Out of the 146 registered players, 119 are from India, consisting of 22 capped stars and 97 uncapped cricketers eager for their big break.
The international contingent consists of 27 overseas players, including 14 capped and 13 uncapped athletes. In a move to globalize the tournament, six of these overseas players represent Associate Nations.
Slot Distribution
Franchises must be strategic with their spending and selections, as the available positions are strictly limited:
- Indian Players: 20 slots available.
- Overseas Players: 7 slots available.
The Big Money: Highest Base Prices
The auction, which kicks off at 5:30 PM, will see several world-class athletes commanding premium prices. Leading the charge are England batter Sophia Dunkley and Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux, both of whom have registered at the highest base price of Rs 50 lakh.
Following closely are players in the Rs 40 lakh bracket, including:
- G Kamalini (India)
- Kiran Navgire (India)
- Heather Graham (Australia)
- Jess Jonassen (Australia)
Additionally, 30 other players have entered the auction with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, ensuring a competitive bidding war for top-tier talent.
Pre-Auction Drama: Mumbai Indians Make a Move
The strategic maneuvering has already begun before the hammer even falls in Kochi. In a notable trade, the Mumbai Indians have acquired USA left-arm seamer Tara Norris from the UP Warriorz for her base price of Rs 10 lakh.
Norris is no stranger to the WPL; she previously played for the Delhi Capitals during the inaugural 2023 season. She etched her name into the history books as the first bowler in WPL history to claim a five-wicket haul, delivering a stunning 5/29 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Brabourne Stadium, where she dismissed key players like Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, and Heather Knight.
Strategic Challenges for Franchises
With 146 players competing for just 27 positions, the margin for error is slim. Five teams will have to balance their budgets and tactical needs to fill a very limited number of vacancies, making this one of the most competitive auctions in the league's history.