WPL 2027: Franchises finalize player retentions ahead of October auction

All five franchises of the Women's Premier League (WPL) have finalized their player retention lists ahead of the 2027 season auction, scheduled for October 28 in Kochi. The upcoming season is set to run from January 14 to February 7, 2027.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained 13 players, including captain Smriti Mandhana and the return of Australian pacer Ellyse Perry. The team released four players, including Grace Harris and Linsey Smith.

Delhi Capitals also retained 13 players, including Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, and Annabel Sutherland. However, they released six players, most notably South African batter Lizelle Lee, who is unavailable for the season due to personal reasons, and leg-spinner Alana King.

Mumbai Indians have retained a core group led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, and Natalie Sciver-Brunt, while releasing six players, including G. Kamalini, whose release is reportedly due to a schedule clash with the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup.

UP Warriorz retained 11 players, including Deepti Sharma, Meg Lanning, and Sophie Ecclestone, but released nine players. Gujarat Giants have also finalized their list, retaining a squad that includes Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney.