• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Wpl Franchises Divided Over Mega Auction Mi Rcb Oppose Gujarat Up Back Revamp Report

WPL franchises divided over mega auction: MI, RCB oppose; Gujarat, UP back revamp - Report

Sakshi Sharma

WPL 2024 (Source:AFP)WPL 2024 (Source:AFP)

In a major development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to organise a mega auction for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season. The five franchises in WPL- Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz have been informally informed about the auction. It is important to mention that the mega auction is likely to take place by the end of November.

While the franchises are aware of the auction, they are still waiting for the official confirmation from the WPL governing council. The franchises are also likely to be informed on important details related to number of player retentions allowed, total auction purse, player retention slabs and availability and use of right-to-match (RTM) cards.

The WPL committee is expected to finalise these decisions soon, although no meeting date has been announced yet as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Franchise opinions divided over mega auction

Another talking point is that the idea of a mega auction has split the five teams. According to the same report, Mumbai Indians, RCB, and Delhi Capitals are not in favour of mega auction. These teams have been finalists in each WPL season so far, with Mumbai Indians winning in 2023 and RCB lifting the trophy in 2024. 

On the other hand, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, who are yet to reach a WPL final, are in support of the mega auction. These franchises believe that they still have a chance to rebuild their squads from scratch. 

WPL expected to follow IPL-Style retention structure

As per same reports, some teams have proposed retaining 6 or 7 players, but the WPL might opt for a five-player retention limit. This could include a mix of capped and uncapped players, both Indian and overseas.The decision on the number of RTM cards (right-to-match) will also depend on this retention structure. 

In IPL 2025, each franchise was allowed six retentions up to five capped (Indian or overseas) and two uncapped Indian players (direct retention and RTM).