WPL 2026: Deepti Sharma Released Ahead of Mega Auction, Harmanpreet, Mandhana Among Big Names Retained

India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma, Player of the Tournament in the country’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph, has reportedly been released ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction — making her one of the biggest names to enter the player pool.

In contrast, six other members of the World Cup-winning squad — including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, and Amanjot Kaur — have been retained by their respective franchises, according to a report by ESPNCricinfo.

Deepti’s Surprise Exit

Deepti’s release has raised eyebrows, especially after her record-breaking World Cup performance, where she became the first player ever to score 200+ runs and take 20+ wickets in a single edition. The 27-year-old also captained UP Warriorz in Alyssa Healy’s absence last season.

Big International Stars Released Too

Along with Deepti, global icons Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, and Amelia Kerr are also set to enter the auction pool after being released. The 2026 auction will be the first WPL edition to feature the Right-to-Match (RTM) card, giving franchises a chance to buy back former players.

Reported Retention List (Unofficial)

Delhi Capitals: Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Niki Prasad
Mumbai Indians: Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini, Hayley Matthews
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil
Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney
UP Warriorz: Shweta Sehrawat

Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are the only teams to retain the maximum allowed five players. UP Warriorz, who have released Deepti, have retained just one.

WPL Retention Rules (2026)

• Max 3 capped Indian players

• Max 2 overseas players

• Max 2 uncapped Indian players

• To retain 5 players, at least 1 must be capped

The official lists are expected to be announced by franchises soon, with the auction date yet to be confirmed.