WPL Mega Auction Starts in New Delhi Post World Cup Win

India's women's cricket team is riding high after clinching their first ODI World Cup title on November 2, 2025, with a victory over South Africa, and the momentum carries into the Women's Premier League (WPL) mega auction on Thursday in New Delhi. The auction, set to begin at 3:30 p.m. at the JW Marriott Hotel in Aerocity, marks the first major squad overhaul for the league's five franchises since its launch in 2023, ahead of the fourth edition starting January 7, 2026.

A pool of 277 players, including 194 Indians and 83 overseas athletes, will vie for up to 73 spots across the teams, with squads required to field a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 18 players, comprising at least 50 Indians and 23 internationals. Fresh off the national team's historic triumph, Indian players are expected to command premium bids, particularly those who shone in the World Cup. All-rounder Deepti Sharma, named Player of the Tournament for her record-breaking performance of 215 runs and 22 wickets, tops the list of high-profile names. In the final against South Africa, Sharma anchored India's innings with 58 runs off 58 balls before taking 5 for 39 to seal the win, becoming the first cricketer, male...