WPL Auction 2027: 3 Indian players who could spark a bidding war

Franchises submitted their retained-players lists on September 28 2026, setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive WPL 2027 player auction. The BCCI confirmed on September 16, 2026, that the auction will take place at Grand Hyatt Kochi, Kerala, on October 28 2026, with each franchise allowed a maximum squad size of 18 players.

Several notable Indian players have been released by their respective franchises and will enter the auction pool. WPL 2027, the fifth edition of the tournament, is scheduled to run from January 14 to February 7, 2027. Here are three Indian players who could attract strong franchise interest when the bidding begins.

3. Saika Ishaque

Saika Ishaque is a 30-year-old slow left-arm orthodox bowler born in Kolkata. Across 23 WPL matches, she has taken 25 wickets at an average of 21.20 and an economy rate of 7.70, making her one of the more consistent Indian spinners in the competition. Mumbai Indians released her ahead of WPL 2027 while retaining Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, and Shabnim Ismail as their core group.

Ishaque's proven WPL record across multiple editions will give franchises confidence in her ability to perform at this level. Her left-arm spin offers variety in attack, and her wicket-taking consistency across 23 games is a strong indicator of her value. With the auction set for October 28 2026, she is well placed to attract competitive bids from franchises in need of reliable spin options.

2. Asha Sobhana

Asha Sobhana is a 35-year-old leg-spinner who has represented India in six T20 Internationals, taking nine wickets in those appearances. UP Warriorz released her ahead of WPL 2027 as part of a large-scale squad overhaul following consecutive bottom-place finishes in the competition. In WPL 2026, Sobhana took three wickets across eight games for the Warriorz.

UP Warriorz retained a core group comprising Meg Lanning, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Phoebe Litchfield, and Pratika Rawal. Sobhana's value at the auction extends beyond her bowling, as she is also regarded as a handy batter with all-round skills. Her T20I experience and ability to contribute in multiple departments make her an attractive option for franchises seeking balance in their squads.

1. G Kamalini

G Kamalini is an 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who was released by the Mumbai Indians ahead of WPL 2027. It was one of the most surprising calls taken by the franchise in the league's history. Kamalini has been part of India's Asia Cup squad and was also involved in the Asian Games-winning campaign, giving her a strong international pedigree at a young age.

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At just 18, she represents a long-term investment for any franchise looking to build around a young Indian core, and her availability at the auction is likely to draw attention from multiple teams competing for her signature.