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WPL 2026 Retentions: All you need to know (Source: AFP)
With the highly delightful Women’s World Cup 2025 ending in a historic win by the India women, the focus now shifts to the much-awaited Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 retentions and auction. With players all around the world impressing with their impeccable skills and mentality, the franchise owners will be amused to see the pool of talent the women’s championship highlighted.
That being said, as the anticipation builds up for the cash-rich tournament, let’s look at all we know about the 4th edition of the Women's Premier League so far, including retention date, starting date, WPL auction, and rules and guidelines for the mega event.
WPL Retention 2026 date released; Purse budget finalized
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, the governing council of the Women's Premier League (WPL), in an email to the five franchises, communicated to submit their respective final retentions lists on or before November 5. Further, it has been revealed that the franchises will be allotted an INR 15 Crores budget for the upcoming mega auction.
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WPL 2026 Mega Auction rules explained
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction is expected to be held in New Delhi, as per the reports by TOI. While no official statement has been released about the same, reports suggest that authorities have informally conveyed the message to the teams to book their dates as November 26-27 are expected to host the mega auction 2026.
With a budget of INR 15cr decided as the maximum purse amount, franchises can retain up to five players each. Notably, a maximum of 3 Indians and 2 overseas players can be retained. Moreover, the 5 cricketers must include an Indian uncapped player. Additionally, teams will be equipped with the Right-To-Match (RTM) card to buy back their released players in the mega auction.
To understand this further, take a look at the table, which explains the WPL 2026 retention rules and regulations precisely:
| Category | Details |
| Total Purse Amount | INR 15 Crores |
| Maximum Player Retentions | Up to 5 players |
| Retention Composition | Max 3 Indian players and Max 2 overseas players |
| Uncapped Player Requirement | If 5 players are retained, at least 1 must be an uncapped Indian cricketer |
| Right-To-Match (RTM) Cards | Available only if fewer than 5 players are retained |
| RTM Allocation Rule | RTMs available = 5 – Number of retained players |
| Retention Fee Structure | 1st retention – ₹3.5 Cr 2nd retention – ₹2.5 Cr 3rd retention – ₹1.75 Cr 4th retention – ₹1 Cr 5th retention – ₹0.5 Cr |
| Total Deduction (for 5 retentions) | ₹9.25 Crores |
| Remaining Purse (for 5 retentions) | ₹5.75 Crores (₹15 Cr – ₹9.25 Cr) |
| RTM Eligibility Example | 3 retentions → 2 RTM cards 4 retentions → 1 RTM card 5 retentions → No RTM allowed |
What is the WPL 2026 schedule and format?
The Times of India has reported that the 2026 WPL season might kickstart on January 6 or 8. If the competition is preponed, the WPL auction, which is generally held in December, might be rescheduled to November.
"The tournament is likely to start on Jan 6 or Jan 8, 2026," a source told TOI. "The tournament being advanced also means that the auction of WPL, which is normally held in December, could be held in November this time," a source was quoted as saying by TOI.
Five franchises will compete in a round-robin format throughout February-March. Notably, around 22 matches will happen over a 4-5 week period. The top three teams reach the knockout stages after league matches finish. The grand final will crown the champions.
WPL 2026 Mega Auction and Retentions: FAQs
Q.1. When is the WPL auction in 2026?
Ans. With the franchises having been asked to finalise their retentions by November 5, the WPL 2026 mega auction is set to be scheduled between November 26 and 29.
Q.2. Who was the most expensive player in the Tata WPL 2025?
Ans. Mumbai’s Simran Shaikh was bought for ₹1.90 crore by Gujarat Giants. With this, she became the most expensive player at the WPL 2025 auction.
Q.3. When did the WPL auction start in 2025?
Ans. The WPL 2025 auction was held on December 15 in Bengaluru.
Stay tuned for more IPL 2026 news, including schedule, venue, final squads, and much more.
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