Top 10 Most Expensive Players in WPL History (2023–2026)

The Women’s Premier League auction system has evolved significantly since its 2023 inception.

Franchise investment strategies now reflect deeper market understanding and long-term squad planning approaches.

Player valuations have increased across multiple skill categories.

Teams demonstrate willingness to secure proven performers through competitive bidding processes, particularly for all-round capabilities and specialist roles.

Top 10 Most Expensive Players in WPL History

The most expensive players in wpl history 2026 demonstrate how auction dynamics shift based on retention policies, overseas player availability, and emerging domestic talent recognition.

Top 10 Most Expensive Players in WPL History (2023–2026)

The WPL 2026 auction players list with price reflects franchise priorities across different auction cycles and player categories.

List of Most Expensive Players in WPL History

Understanding individual player valuations provides context beyond auction figures. Each investment reflects specific tactical requirements, squad balance needs, and performance expectations across tournament conditions.

1. Smriti Mandhana (₹3.40 Cr)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru identified Mandhana as a foundational player during the inaugural auction. Her opening position, leadership credentials, and consistent international performance justified premium investment levels.

The Smriti Mandhana WPL price established the league’s valuation benchmark, combining on-field reliability with commercial appeal and franchise identity value.

2. Deepti Sharma (₹3.20 Cr)

UP Warriorz retained Sharma through their Right to Match option at the 2026 mega auction. Her off-spin bowling and middle-order batting create tactical flexibility across different match situations.

Sharma became the wpl most expensive player 2026 among retained Indian picks, reflecting consistent performance value and squad integration importance.

3. Ashleigh Gardner (₹3.20 Cr)

Gujarat Giants secured Gardner for her complete all-round package. She controls middle-overs phases through off-spin variations while accelerating scoring rates with an aggressive batting approach.

Her athletic fielding adds defensive value, making her a three-dimensional asset for squad composition requirements.

4. Nat Sciver-Brunt (₹3.20 Cr)

Mumbai Indians invested in Sciver-Brunt’s ability to handle high-pressure situations. Her medium-pace bowling complements strike options, while batting provides positional flexibility and finishing capability.

Overseas all-rounders command premium bids because they deliver immediate impact across multiple skill areas within limited squad slots.

5. Amelia Kerr (₹3.00 Cr)

Mumbai Indians secured Kerr following competitive bidding at the 2026 auction. Quality leg-spin bowling remains scarce in T20 cricket, and Kerr combines wicket-taking threat with dependable lower-order batting.

The women ipl most expensive player 2026 among overseas acquisitions, Kerr’s retention value stems from proven WPL contributions and match-winning performances.

6. Shikha Pandey (₹2.40 Cr)

UP Warriorz acquired Pandey for her swing bowling expertise and experienced presence. She operates effectively during powerplay phases and maintains control during death-over situations.

Her leadership qualities add depth to the bowling unit without requiring formal captaincy responsibilities, providing tactical guidance during pressure moments.

7. Jemimah Rodrigues (₹2.20 Cr)

Delhi Capitals secured Rodrigues for middle-order stability and strike rotation capability. She identifies boundary opportunities while maintaining scoring momentum, preventing rate collapses during rebuilding phases.

Her energetic fielding and positive presence complement batting contributions across different match contexts and team requirements.

8. Shafali Verma (₹2.00 Cr)

Delhi Capitals invested in Verma’s aggressive powerplay approach during the inaugural auction. Her boundary-hitting ability creates immediate pressure on bowling attacks within the first six overs.

Verma was the wpl most expensive player 2023 among Indian openers, representing franchise confidence in her match-winning potential despite limited prior T20 franchise experience.

9. Annabel Sutherland (₹2.00 Cr)

Delhi Capitals acquired Sutherland for pace bowling depth and lower-order batting options. Her height generates extra bounce on responsive surfaces, creating uncomfortable angles for batters.

She handles pressure situations with composure, delivering crucial breakthroughs or late-innings runs based on specific match requirements and tactical needs.

10. Kashvee Gautam (₹2.00 Cr)

Gujarat Giants made Gautam the highest-priced uncapped player in WPL history. Her raw pace and swing ability represent significant upside potential for Indian pace bowling development.

Franchises increasingly invest in emerging talent to build long-term squad depth, balancing immediate performance needs with future capability development.

Conclusion: Smriti Mandhana is the Most Expensive Player of WPL

The most expensive players in wpl history 2026 reflect franchise strategies around leadership, all-round capabilities, and specialist skill requirements.

Auction prices track upward as league revenue grows and team budgets expand.

Mandhana’s ₹3.40 crore benchmark from 2023 remains the highest individual bid despite competitive 2026 auction activity.

Multiple players now exceed ₹3 crore valuations, indicating sustained growth in player compensation structures.

• Auction Trends: Franchises prioritize proven international performers and emerging Indian talent with specific T20 skills. All-rounders consistently attract premium bids due to squad balance requirements and tactical versatility needs.
• Indian Core Value: Teams build around dependable Indian players who understand domestic conditions and provide squad continuity. The Harmanpreet Kaur WPL price was ₹1.80 crore in 2023, demonstrating how leadership experience influences franchise valuations.
• Future Auctions: The wpl auction 2026 time demonstrated increased franchise spending capacity and competitive bidding intensity. The wpl auction 2026 players list included retention strategies alongside fresh acquisitions, shaping squad compositions for upcoming seasons.

Also Check:

• Most Five-Wicket Hauls In WPL History
• Players With Most Wickets in WPL
• Players With Most Fours In WPL
• Women’s Premier League WPL Winners List From 2023 to 2026

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