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"Would not come cheaply": Anjum Chopra banks on Ecclestone to hijack WPL auction

Akshita Patel

Sophie Ecclestone listed as marquee player for WPL 2026 auction [Source: @pankajsabnani/X.com]Sophie Ecclestone listed as marquee player for WPL 2026 auction [Source: @pankajsabnani/X.com]

The excitement is building ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction. And former Indian captain Anjum Chopra has named one player who could attract a massive bidding war.

According to Chopra, England’s star spinner Sophie Ecclestone is set to become one of the most expensive buys in this year’s auction.

Anjum Chopra expects Sophie Ecclestone to break the bank

Speaking ahead of the WPL 2026 auction in New Delhi, Anjum Chopra called Sophie Ecclestone a “true match-winner” and said teams would be ready to spend big money to get her. 

With only 73 spots available and 277 players in the auction pool, competition among teams is expected to be fierce, especially for overseas stars.

"Sophie Ecclestone is a true match-winner and will undoubtedly command a strong price at the auction. Given the budget teams currently have, she would not come cheaply. Most teams are likely to consider her a key acquisition. Her left-arm spin and control make her a valuable asset," Chopra said on Star Sports.

Ecclestone has been one of the most consistent performers in WPL history. She has taken 36 wickets in just 25 matches at an impressive average of 18.38, including a four-wicket haul. 

Chopra believes that UP Warriorz, Ecclestone’s former team, will try hard to bring her back by using their Right-to-Match (RTM) card. 

"While the Delhi and Mumbai Indians might not prioritise her, teams like UP Warriorz will definitely look to use their right-to-match card on her. Even Delhi could consider bringing her on board as a strategic option," she added.

However, he also hinted that the Delhi Capitals could jump into the race and try to sign her as a smart strategic move. While teams like the Mumbai Indians might not focus heavily on her, the bidding battle could still turn intense.

Ecclestone among marquee list for WPL 2026 auction

The WPL 2026 auction marquee list features some of the biggest names in women’s cricket. 

The eight-star set includes India’s Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh, England’s Sophie Ecclestone, Australia’s Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning, New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt. 

All these players will have a base price of ₹50 lakhs. It would be fair to say that one of the marquee players will end up as the costliest pick in WPL auction history.