UP Warriorz made a significant move at the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction by signing Australian captain Sophie Molineux for ₹1.10 crore in Kochi. The franchise outbid Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who withdrew from the bidding at ₹1.05 crore.
Molineux, who led Australia to their seventh T20 World Cup title in July, has also been among the team's leading wicket-takers this year. Her acquisition strengthens UP Warriorz's bowling options as they look to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
UP Warriorz entered the auction with the largest purse of ₹3.75 crore and eight slots to fill after releasing nine players. The franchise continued its recruitment by signing India all-rounder Sneh Rana, Australia all-rounder Grace Harris and wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma at their respective base prices of ₹30 lakh.
Delhi Capitals Sign Kiran Navgire for ₹75 Lakh
Delhi Capitals secured India middle-order batter Kiran Navgire for ₹75 lakh, adding another batting option to their squad.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants signed wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini for her base price of ₹40 lakh. Kamalini had previously represented Mumbai Indians in the 2025 and 2026 seasons after being acquired for ₹1.60 crore.
Gujarat Giants also picked up Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast for ₹30 lakh, marking her first stint in the WPL. Following the acquisition, the franchise had just one slot remaining with ₹55 lakh left in its purse.
Sneh Rana Excited to Play Under Meg Lanning
UP Warriorz's acquisition of Sneh Rana adds experience to their spin department. The Indian all-rounder will represent her fourth WPL franchise after previously playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals.
Speaking after the auction, Rana expressed excitement about joining UP Warriorz and playing under captain Meg Lanning. She also highlighted the strength of the team's spin attack and her familiarity with Deepti Sharma.
Rana said she was looking forward to working alongside Deepti, adding that their long-standing association would help them understand each other's strengths. She also praised Lanning's captaincy and tactical decisions, expressing enthusiasm about playing under the Australian leader.
RCB Yet to Make a Purchase
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a quiet start to the auction, remaining without a signing after the first six sets of players.
RCB entered the auction with a purse of ₹1.15 crore, significantly less than UP Warriorz's available budget. The Bengaluru franchise attempted to bring back Molineux but dropped out when the bidding reached ₹1.05 crore.
UP Warriorz, meanwhile, emerged as the most active buyers in the early stages, reflecting their need to fill multiple vacancies after releasing several players.
Several Big Names Go Unsold
England batter Sophia Dunkley, who entered the auction with the highest base price of ₹50 lakh, went unsold. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, listed at a base price of ₹30 lakh, also failed to attract a bid.
Shweta Sehrawat, the only player retained by UP Warriorz ahead of the 2026 season, was another notable name to go unsold. In addition, all capped fast bowlers and spinners remained unsold in the first round.
Mumbai Indians, who entered the auction with the smallest purse of ₹90 lakh, purchased the only three uncapped players sold in the early stages: Disha Kasat, Latika Inamdar and Bharti Rawal. All three were acquired for ₹10 lakh each.
WPL 2027 Auction: Players Bought So Far
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Delhi Capitals: Kiran Navgire – ₹75 lakh
- Gujarat Giants: G Kamalini – ₹40 lakh; Orla Prendergast – ₹30 lakh
- Mumbai Indians: Disha Kasat – ₹10 lakh; Latika Inamdar – ₹10 lakh; Bharti Rawal – ₹10 lakh
- UP Warriorz: Sophie Molineux – ₹1.10 crore; Sneh Rana – ₹30 lakh; Grace Harris – ₹30 lakh; Sushma Verma – ₹30 lakh
With several high-profile players still available, the remaining auction rounds will be crucial for franchises looking to complete their squads. UP Warriorz have made an aggressive start, while RCB will be under pressure to use their limited purse strategically as they seek to strengthen their title-defending squad.
