The BCCI has already started its preparations for the 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). All five teams are gearing up for their first mega auction. According to ESPNcricinfo, all five teams can retain up to five players from their current squads and must announce the retentions by November 5. The first mega auction of the WPL is scheduled between November 25 and 29.
Teams can retain up to 5 players
In the email sent to all franchises, it is clearly mentioned that teams are allowed to retain a maximum of five players. Each franchise can retain a maximum of three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players.
If a team retains all five players, it must include at least one uncapped Indian. For the first time, franchises are allowed to use the right-to-match (RTM) option at the auction. RTM allows a team to re-sign a player who was part of their squad in the previous season.
Retentions vs Auction Purse: The Balancing Act for WPL Teams
The auction purse for each franchise is fixed at INR 15 crore. The WPL has also set a price structure for retained players:
- Player 1: INR 3.5 crore
- Player 2: INR 2.5 crore
- Player 3: INR 1.75 crore
- Player 4: INR 1 crore
- Player 5: INR 50 lakh
If a team retains all five players, INR 9.25 crore will be deducted from their auction purse. Retaining four players will deduct INR 8.75 crore, three players will cost INR 7.75 crore, two players INR 6 crore, and retaining just one player will deduct INR 3.5 crore.
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How teams can use RTM
Interestingly, the RTM is directly linked to the number of players retained. If a team retains 5 players, it will have no RTM option at the auction.
- If a team retains 4 players – 1 RTM
- If a team retains 3 players – 2 RTMs
- If a team retains 2 players – 3 RTMs
- If a team retains 1 player – 4 RTMs
However, teams can negotiate the price mentioned by the WPL. If any amount is greater than the prescribed slab, the difference will be deducted from the auction purse.
Deadline to submit the retained players list
The BCCI has set November 5 as the deadline for franchises to submit their retained players list. Franchises must also submit the list of players entering the auction by November 7. The last date for player registration is November 18, and the BCCI will release the final list of players for the mega auction on November 20.
Written By:- Manjunath S
