When the WPL 2026 Mega AuctionMumbai began on November 27, 2025, no one expected the bidding war for Sophie Devine to escalate so fast — or so fiercely. By the time the hammer fell, the Gujarat Giants had outbid rivals including Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore to secure the 35-year-old New Zealand captain for Rs. 2 crore. That’s not just a record-breaking sum — it’s a statement. Devine, the all-rounder from Wellington who just smashed 46 off 24 balls and took 2 for 16 in the Women’s Big Bash League, became the fourth most expensive player in WPL history. And the twist? She wasn’t even the most expensive. Not even close.
Why Sophie Devine Was Worth Every Rupee
Devine doesn’t just play cricket — she reshapes it. At 35, she’s still the engine of New Zealand’s middle order, a lethal left-handed bat who can clear boundaries with a flick and bowl tight, swing-heavy overs that strangle spin-friendly pitches. Her WBBL form wasn’t a fluke. It was a preview. And for Gujarat Giants, who entered the auction with Rs. 9 crore in their purse, she was the missing piece — a proven leader, a finisher, and a match-winner under pressure. They’d already retained Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and opener Beth Mooney. Now, adding Devine meant they had three of the most dangerous overseas batters in the world.
Her base price? Rs. 50 lakh. The first bid came from RCB. Then Delhi Capitals jumped in. Within minutes, the price crossed Rs. 1 crore. By Rs. 1.75 crore, only Gujarat and Delhi remained. The silence in the auction hall was thick. Then — Rs. 2 crore. A pause. No counter. Gujarat Giants had won.
The Bidding War That Redefined WPL’s Value
The auction didn’t just belong to Devine. It was a revolution. Delhi Capitals spent Rs. 3.2 crore on Deepti Sharma, making her the most expensive Indian player ever in WPL. Mumbai Indians paid Rs. 3 crore for Australian all-rounder Amelia Kerr — the second-highest price in WPL history. And Shikha Pandey, India’s fiery pacer, joined UP Warriorz for Rs. 2.4 crore. Altogether, 67 players — 23 of them overseas — were sold for Rs. 40.8 crore. That’s nearly Rs. 10 crore more than the entire 2025 auction.
And yet — the biggest surprise wasn’t who bought who. It was who didn’t buy at all.
Alyssa Healy’s Unsold Silence
For all the noise, one name hung in the air like a ghost: Alyssa Healy. The Australian captain, wicketkeeper-batter, and explosive opener had a base price of Rs. 50 lakh. She’d led Australia to World Cup glory. She’d smashed 146 in a T20I. Yet, not a single franchise raised their paddle. Why? Analysts suggest teams already had their preferred keepers — like Yastika Bhatia (bought by Gujarat for Rs. 50 lakh) — or feared her high strike rate might not suit WPL’s slower pitches. The silence spoke louder than any bid.
Gujarat Giants’ Masterstroke
For Gujarat Giants, the auction wasn’t just about spending — it was about strategy. They used RTM cards to bring back Bharati Fulmali and Kashvee Gautam, saving millions. They filled gaps: spin (Georgia Wareham at Rs. 1 crore), pace (Renuka Singh Thakur at Rs. 60 lakh), and depth (Kim Garth, Danni Wyatt-Hodge). Their 16 picks cost Rs. 8.85 crore — nearly their entire purse. And Devine? She’s their crown jewel. At 35, she’s not a gamble. She’s a guarantee. Her experience in high-pressure finals, her ability to anchor innings, her leadership — these aren’t stats. They’re intangibles that win trophies.
Compare that to 2025, when Gujarat finished fifth. Now? They look like contenders. The team has firepower, balance, and a captaincy vibe that’s growing. With Devine and Gardner together, they’ve got two world-class all-rounders who can take over games in the final five overs. That’s rare.
What This Means for Women’s Cricket in India
This auction didn’t just change team compositions — it changed perceptions. The Board of Control for Cricket in India poured Rs. 41.1 crore into this event. And every rupee was earned back. Women’s cricket is no longer a side show. It’s the main event. Franchises are investing like it’s the IPL. Players are being paid like global stars. And young girls across India? They’re watching. They’re dreaming. They’re picking up bats because they see Devine, Kerr, Sharma — women who aren’t just athletes, but icons.
What’s Next?
The WPL 2026 season kicks off in March. Gujarat Giants will open with Devine at No. 4, Gardner at No. 6, and Mooney at the top. Their first match is against Mumbai Indians — a clash of titans. Can they beat Kerr and her powerhouse side? Can Devine replicate her WBBL magic on Indian soil? One thing’s certain: the competition just got real.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sophie Devine so expensive compared to other overseas players?
Devine’s price reflects her rare all-round value: a top-order batter who can bowl 4 overs of swing and seam, plus her proven leadership as New Zealand’s captain. Unlike pure bowlers or finishers, she can win games from any position. Her recent WBBL form — 46 off 24 with 2 wickets — proved she’s still at peak performance, making her a low-risk, high-reward asset for franchises.
How did Gujarat Giants afford so many expensive players?
They retained Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney in 2025, which gave them a Rs. 9 crore purse for 2026 — the highest among franchises. They also used RTM cards to re-sign Bharati Fulmali and Kashvee Gautam without spending new money, freeing up funds to bid aggressively for Devine and Georgia Wareham while still filling their squad.
Why did Alyssa Healy go unsold despite her reputation?
Teams likely already had strong wicketkeeper-batters like Yastika Bhatia and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, both bought for Rs. 50 lakh. Healy’s aggressive style suits faster pitches — less common in Indian WPL venues. With the new focus on balanced squads, franchises prioritized all-rounders and spinners over specialist batters, especially when the market was flooded with options.
What does this auction mean for future WPL seasons?
The Rs. 40.8 crore spent signals that women’s cricket is now a commercial force. Expect higher base prices, more overseas signings, and possibly a third franchise by 2027. The BCCI is likely to expand the league to 8 teams soon, and player salaries will keep climbing — especially for all-rounders who can impact all phases of the game.
Who are the top three most expensive players in WPL history?
Deepti Sharma (Rs. 3.2 crore, Delhi Capitals), Amelia Kerr (Rs. 3 crore, Mumbai Indians), and Shikha Pandey (Rs. 2.4 crore, UP Warriorz) rank above Sophie Devine (Rs. 2 crore). Devine is tied for third among overseas players, behind Kerr and South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp (Rs. 2.1 crore in 2025), making her one of the most valuable international signings ever.
How did RTM cards affect the auction dynamics?
Teams that retained fewer players got more RTM cards and bigger purses. Gujarat Giants used two RTM cards to bring back Fulmali and Gautam — saving Rs. 1.5 crore compared to bidding fresh. This allowed them to focus cash on Devine and Wareham. Other teams like Delhi Capitals used RTM to keep key Indian players, reducing competition in the open auction.
