The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 player auction is scheduled for October 28 in Kochi, Kerala, as all five franchises prepare to strengthen their squads ahead of the tournament’s fifth edition. A total of 146 players have been shortlisted to compete for 27 available places, setting the stage for a competitive mini-auction.
The auction will take place at the Grand Hyatt Kochi and is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). Teams will have to balance their remaining budgets with their requirements for Indian and overseas players as they finalise their squads for the upcoming season.
The WPL 2027 season is scheduled to run from January 14 to February 7, 2027.
WPL 2027 Auction: Date, Time and Venue
The key details for the upcoming auction are as follows:
- Date: October 28, 2026
- Start time: 5:30 PM IST
- Venue: Grand Hyatt Kochi, Kochi, Kerala
- Total shortlisted players: 146
- Available squad places: 27
- Participating franchises: Five
Kochi will host a WPL player auction for the first time. The event will give franchises an opportunity to fill vacancies and address gaps in their squads before the new season begins.
146 Players Compete for 27 Available Places
The auction pool features a mix of experienced international cricketers and emerging domestic talent. Of the 146 shortlisted players, 119 are Indian and 27 are from overseas.
The Indian contingent comprises 22 capped players and 97 uncapped players. Among overseas registrations, 14 players are capped and 13 are uncapped, including six players from Associate Nations.
England’s Sophia Dunkley and Australia’s Sophie Molineux have registered at the highest base price of ₹50 lakh each.
Four players—G. Kamalini, Kiran Navgire, Heather Graham and Jess Jonassen—have entered the auction at a base price of ₹40 lakh. Another 30 players have registered at ₹30 lakh, while 106 players have opted for the minimum base price of ₹10 lakh.
The range of experience and base prices gives franchises options to pursue established performers as well as players who could strengthen their teams over the longer term.
Team-Wise Remaining Purse and Available Slots
Each franchise is working with a salary cap of ₹15 crore. The remaining amount available for bidding varies according to players retained and other squad transactions.
Team
Remaining purse
Available slots
Overseas slots
UP Warriorz
₹3.75 crore
8
3
Gujarat Giants
₹1.25 crore
3
1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
₹1.15 crore
5
2
Delhi Capitals
₹1.10 crore
5
1
Mumbai Indians
₹90 lakh
6
0
UP Warriorz enter the auction with the largest remaining budget and eight vacancies to fill. Gujarat Giants have three places available, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals each have five.
Mumbai Indians have ₹90 lakh remaining and six vacancies, but no overseas places available. The different purse sizes and squad requirements are likely to shape each franchise’s bidding approach.
Where to Watch the WPL 2027 Auction Live
Cricket fans in India can follow the auction through the following broadcasters:
- Live television: Star Sports Network
- Online streaming: JioHotstar app and website
- Auction date: October 28, 2026
- Start time: 5:30 PM IST
Viewers can follow the bidding as franchises compete to secure players for the upcoming season.
When Will WPL 2027 Begin?
The fifth edition of the Women’s Premier League is scheduled to take place from January 14 to February 7, 2027. The auction is an important step in the preparations, allowing teams to complete their squads before the tournament.
With 146 players competing for just 27 places, franchises must make careful decisions about how they allocate their remaining budgets. The combination of international experience, domestic prospects and limited squad vacancies will shape the final composition of all five teams ahead of the new season.
