Most Expensive Player In WPL History; Who Became the Highest Paid Cricketer in WPL 2026 Auction?

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The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Auction once again proved why it remains one of the most electrifying events in women’s cricket. With teams rebuilding, upgrading and reshaping their squads, the battle for top-tier talent turned fierce from the very first paddle raise.

While a fresh crop of India’s modern match-winners entered the spotlight this year, the highest-value names of the league still trace back to a mix of historic and recent blockbuster buys.

At the heart of the money storm remain three iconic cricketers—Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Ashleigh Gardner and Smriti Mandhana. Each was bought for a massive Rs. 3.50 crore in 2023, and remarkably, no player has surpassed that milestone even going into the 2026 season. Their record-breaking deals continue to set the gold standard for WPL paycheques, standing tall as the benchmark that every rising star dreams of touching.

However, the 2026 Auction was far from quiet. A new wave of premium signings delivered a fresh layer of excitement as franchises competed aggressively for proven performers.

India’s trusted all-rounder Deepti Sharma emerged as the biggest Indian signing of the 2026 cycle, going to UP Warriorz for Rs. 3.20 crore. Her consistency with both bat and ball, coupled with her calm presence under pressure, made her one of the most targeted players this year. UP made the second-most expensive Indian signing of WPL 2026 Auction by purchasing senior India pacer Shikha Pandey for Rs. 2.40 crore.

Mumbai secured yet another major international star as Amelia Kerr, New Zealand’s versatile all-rounder, fetched Rs. 3.00 crore, the second-highest buy of the 2026 pool. Her spin prowess and dependable middle-order batting make her a complete T20 package, strengthening Mumbai’s strategic core.

Bangalore - who reaffirmed their faith in Richa Ghosh for her immense growth since her 2023 - and retained for a whopping sum for India’s most fearless young striker. Meanwhile, Marizanne Kapp, purchased in the 2026 auction by Delhi for Rs. 2.20 crore, added world-class experience to their already star-studded line-up.

Across three different buying years, 2023, 2024 and 2026, teams have assembled squads capable of producing high-octane cricket, with each season contributing its own big-ticket acquisitions. The blend of historic milestones and current-season spending only highlights the rising commercial and sporting value of women’s cricket in India.

WPL Signings At a Glance (From 2023 to 2026)