WPL 2026 auction start date revealed? Check details

The Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026 auction) is likely to take place in New Delhi, though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to issue an official confirmation to the participating franchises. According to a report, the board has informally communicated the proposed venue to the teams, giving them an early indication of the logistical arrangements. While the final announcement is still awaited, the capital city appears to be the frontrunner to host the much-anticipated event. As per the latest updates, the auction window has been narrowed down to November 26 and 27.

Checkout WPL 2026 auction details and updates

Earlier, the BCCI had kept a broader range between November 26 and 29, but recent discussions suggest a more compact schedule. The decision is expected to be finalised soon, allowing franchises to plan their strategies and player targets accordingly. The upcoming auction will be crucial as teams look to strengthen their squads ahead of the next WPL season, and with growing excitement around women’s cricket in India, all eyes will be on the official confirmation from the BCCI in the coming days.

Although billed as a marquee event, the upcoming WPL auction is expected to wrap up within a single day. With only five participating teams and a maximum squad size of 18 players each, the process is likely to move swiftly, even if as many as 90 players go under the hammer. The streamlined format reflects the league’s compact structure and ensures an efficient bidding process.

According to the revised retention guidelines, each franchise can retain up to three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indians, but the total number of retained players cannot exceed five. This policy aims to strike the right balance between team continuity and overall competitiveness, allowing franchises to secure their core stars while ensuring opportunities for emerging domestic talent.

For the first time, the Right to Match (RTM) rule will be introduced, allowing teams to reclaim released players by matching the highest bid. However, franchises retaining all five players will have ₹9.25 crore deducted from their auction purse and will forfeit the right to use the RTM option. This system encourages strategic decision-making and adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a closely watched auction.