Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set for its landmark mega auction, introducing significant changes to team-building strategies and player management for the coming season. With player retention caps, the debut of the Right-to-Match (RTM) option, and a structured auction purse, the tournament’s competitive landscape is primed for an exciting transformation.
Key retention policies and timeline of WPL Mega Auction
Franchises will be permitted to retain up to five players before the auction, pushing teams to make tactical decisions on squad composition and long-term planning. The retention deadline is November 5, with the auction scheduled for November 25–29. Teams can keep a maximum of three capped Indian players, two overseas stars, and two uncapped Indian talents. Notably, if a franchise retains the full quota of five players, at least one must be an uncapped Indian, ensuring pathways for rising domestic cricketers to shine in a league loaded with international experience. The staggered retention system means that the balance between well-known, established performers and emerging prospects will define the heart of each squad.
Financially, the auction purse per franchise stands at ₹15 crore, with a five-tier retention slab system enforcing proportional deductions: ₹3.5 crore for Player 1, ₹2.5 crore for Player 2, ₹1.75 crore for Player 3, ₹1 crore for Player 4, and ₹50 lakh for Player 5. Retaining all five players means a deduction of ₹9.25 crore from the purse, with similar deductions for lower retentions. There is scope for negotiation between teams and players over these figures, but uncapped Indians must receive a minimum retention value of ₹50 lakh. Critical pre-auction milestones include the retention list submission (November 5), auction entry list (November 7), player registration cutoff (November 18), and the publication of the final auction list (November 20).
Introduction of RTM rules and competitive balance
For the first time, franchises will be able to deploy the Right-to-Match option in the WPL, mirroring a successful IPL mechanism. This allows teams to buy back a player from their 2025 squad by matching the highest auction bid. The number of RTMs available is directly linked to the number of retained players: franchises retaining all five players forfeit any RTM card, while those holding onto fewer players unlock more RTMs—four RTMs for one retained player, down to one RTM for four retentions. This structure encourages dynamic squad building, letting teams either anchor their core with retentions or leave slots open for strategic RTM use.
The WPL’s revamped auction and retention rules reflect a forward-thinking approach to nurturing a vibrant mix of star power and grassroots talent, keeping league parity and audience appeal high. With squads set for dramatic revamps, fans and franchises alike anticipate a season where team strategies, retention gambits, and RTM tactics could spark new rivalries and showcase the next generation of cricketing stars.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
