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The list of retained and released players by each franchise ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction came with several surprises on Thursday. While Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma and Rodrogus voting were among the big names retained by their respective teams, some franchises made bolder moves.

The 2026 auction will feature revised retention rules with each franchise will enter the auction with a INR 15 crore purse (depends upon purse remaining after retention). According to the new system, Right-to-Match (RTM) cards will also be introduced for the first time, adding tactical depth to the bidding process. The reveal came just weeks after India’s historic Women’s ODI World Cup victory 2025setting the stage for a high-interest auction in New Delhi on November 27.

Key players released ahead of WPL 2026 mega auction

The retention process led to the strategic release of some of the biggest names in women’s cricket, setting the stage for an unprecedented bidding war at the Mega Auction. Delhi Capitals made the most shocking move by releasing their charismatic and highly decorated captain, Meg Lanning. Similarly, UP Warriorz opted for a total squad overhaul, releasing their captain, Alyssa Healyalong with World No. 1 spinner Sophie Ecclestone and World Cup ‘Player of the Tournament’ Deepti Sharma.

This mass release gives UPW the largest purse (INR 14.5 Cr) and four RTM cards, making them the most aggressive team in the auction. Defending champions Mumbai Indians were forced to sacrifice the services of star all-rounder Amelia Kerr and India’s seam bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar due to retention limits. Finally, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Giants (GG) added to the auction pool by releasing high-value players like Sophie Devine, Renuka Singh Thakur and Laura Wolvaardtwith both teams retaining RTM cards to potentially buy back their released Indian talent.

Complete list of players released ahead of the Women’s Premier League 2026 mega auction

1. UP Warriorz (UPW)

The UP Warriorz chose the most radical approach, releasing 16 players to enter the Mega Auction with the highest purse (INR 14.5 Cr) and four RTM cards. Their release list is headlined by two-star captains: opener Alyssa Healy and India’s top all-rounder, the World Cup Player of the Tournament, Deepti Sharma. They also let go of the World No. 1 T20I bowler, Sophie Ecclestoneand power-hitter Grace Harris. This move signals a complete squad overhaul, and they are expected to bid aggressively for Deepti Sharma and Grace Harris using their RTM cards.

2. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals made the most shocking headline of the retention window by releasing their highly successful captain, Meg Lanning. Retaining the maximum five players forced them to release her, along with two other high-value overseas stars: young explosive all-rounder Alice Capsey and experienced left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen. This leaves DC with a strong core but a crucial need for a new captain/leader at the auction.

3. Mumbai Indians (MI)

The defending champions kept a solid core of five players but had to make tough calls due to the maximum two-overseas player retention rule. This led to the release of two major match-winners: New Zealand’s star leg-spinning all-rounder Amelia Kerrand India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar. Their release, alongside pace legend Shabnim Ismailensures high quality is available in the auction pool, though MI has no RTM cards to bring any of them back.

4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB maintained a strong four-player core but released several high-value assets. Most notably, they released New Zealand’s explosive all-rounder Sophie Devine and India’s premier fast bowler, Renuka Singh Thakur. Their decision to retain only four players secured them one RTM card, which they are widely expected to use to bring back a crucial Indian player like Renuka Singh.

5. Gujarat Giants (GG)

Gujarat Giants adopted a minimal retention strategy, holding onto only two star Australians: Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner. This leaves them with a significant purse (INR 9.0 Cr) and the maximum three RTM cards (for Indian players). Among their released players are South Africa’s top batter Laura WolvaardtAustralia’s young gun Phoebe Litchfieldand key Indian players like Harleen Deol and the 2024 most expensive uncapped player, Kashvee Gautam. They are expected to use their RTMs aggressively to rebuild their Indian core.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.coma Read company.