Mumbai, India – The 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction began with a stunning and unexpected twist, as Australia captain Alice Hilly, one of the brightest stars in women’s cricket, went unsold. Despite her World Cup-winning exploits and extensive international experience, none of the five franchises were willing to acquire her at the base price of INR 50 lakh, sending shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity.
Hilly’s name was the first to be announced in the auction, yet concerns over her fitness appeared to dominate franchise decisions. The star batter had endured a muscle injury during the previous Women’s World Cup and has had prior struggles with a finger injury. These fitness doubts evidently outweighed her proven credentials. The situation is particularly striking considering that in the 2023 WPL auction, Hilly had been purchased by the UP Warriors for INR 70 lakh, making her unsold status in 2026 all the more extraordinary.
The auction featured a total of 276 players, competing for 73 vacant squad positions, including 23 foreign slots. The youngest participants were 16-year-old Indian talents Dia Yadav and Bharti Singh, while the most seasoned competitor was 37-year-old former South African pacer Sunim Ismail. The event showcased a blend of emerging stars and established internationals, reflecting the growing depth and global appeal of the WPL.
Franchise strategies varied, with several opting to retain core players while others preserved the right to match bids for previously contracted athletes:
| Franchise | Retained Players | Rights-to-Match Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | 5 | None |
| Delhi Capitals | 5 | None |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 4 | Available |
| Bengaluru Strikers | 3 | Available |
| Rajasthan Royals | 3 | Available |
Hilly’s omission immediately became the headline of the auction’s opening hour, generating heated debate among fans and analysts. Experts suggest that if she regains full fitness, she could still attract interest in subsequent rounds, as franchises often revisit key players once concerns over injuries are resolved.
The WPL, now firmly established as the largest domestic women’s cricket league globally, continues to generate excitement and unpredictability. With international stars, retention policies, and the occasional unsold shocker, the auction has once again highlighted the high stakes and strategic intricacies behind assembling a competitive squad.