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Major WPL blows for RCB, DC as Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland pull out of tournament

Rajgeeta Yadav

Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland withdraw from WPL 2026 [Source: AFP]Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland withdraw from WPL 2026 [Source: AFP]

The upcoming fourth edition of the WPL has suffered a major setback with two Australian all-rounders, Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland, withdrawing from the tournament due to personal reasons. 

The WPL 2026 season is scheduled to be played from January 9 to February 5, and the absence of these high-profile players has forced franchises to rethink their combinations just weeks before the tournament begins.

RCB face major setback ahead of WPL 2026

RCB will feel the impact of Ellyse Perry’s withdrawal most strongly. Perry, who was retained by RCB ahead of the WPL 2026 auction, has been one of the franchise’s most influential players since the league’s inception. 

Notably, her match-winning performances played an important role in RCB’s title triumph in WPL 2024, where she repeatedly delivered in pressure situations with both bat and ball. 

Losing such an experienced campaigner is a significant blow to the Smriti Mandhana-led side.

To fill the void left by Perry, RCB have named Sayali Satghare as her replacement. The Indian all-rounder will join the squad at her reserve price of INR 30 lakh.

Annabel Sutherland withdraws from upcoming WPL

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals have also been affected, with Annabel Sutherland withdrawing after being retained by the franchise. In response, the Capitals have roped in Australia leg-spinner Alana King as her replacement at a reserve price of INR 60 lakh. 

Notably, Alana, who represented UP Warriorz in the previous season, has featured in 27 T20Is and has claimed 27 wickets, making her a proven option in the shortest format.

Meanwhile, UP Warriorz have been forced into a change as well. Left-arm medium pacer Tara Norris, who represents the USA national team, has been selected for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal, scheduled from January 18 to February 1. 

As a result, she will miss the WPL season. The Warriorz have named uncapped Australian all-rounder Charli Knott as her replacement, signing her at a reserve price of INR 10 lakh.