The 2026 Women’s Premier League mega auction delivered a massive early shock. Alice Hilly, Australia’s captain and one of women’s cricket’s biggest stars, was unsold despite a reputation for world-class performances and leadership. None of the five franchises opted to buy her at her INR 50 lakh base price.
Hilly had suffered a muscle injury in the recent Women’s World Cup, along with a previous finger injury. Her fitness uncertainty led franchises to adopt a cautious approach, leaving her unsold. This comes as a surprise, given that in 2023 she was purchased by UP Warriors for INR 70 lakh.
A total of 276 players were listed for auction. There are 73 vacant squad slots across five franchises, including 23 for overseas players. The youngest players were 16-year-old Indians Dia Yadav and Bharti Singh, while the oldest was 37-year-old former South African pacer Sunim Ismail.
Retention & Rights-to-Match Overview
| Franchise | Players Retained | 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 unsold status immediately became the most discussed topic in the first hour of the auction. Experts believe that if she overcomes her fitness concerns, she could still be signed in later rounds.
The WPL, as the premier women’s domestic cricket league, has already generated excitement with strategic decisions, international star signings, and unexpected auction outcomes. Fans and analysts alike are keenly following the next moves in this high-stakes league.
