WPL 2026: Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland withdraw, replacements named

In a surprising development, star all-rounders from Australia — Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland, have both withdrawn from the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026. Perry, who was supposed to play for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has now been replaced by Sayali Satghare, as she joins the 2024 winners at a base price of INR 30 lakh.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals have also found a replacement for Sutherland in fellow Aussie leg-spinner Alana King. She went unsold in the WPL 2026 Auction, but has now been called up by the three-time finalists for her base price of INR 60 lakh. The league committee confirmed the development via a media release on Tuesday, December 30, as both the players cited personal reasons over the withdrawal.

“Delhi Capitals today announced the signing of Australian leg-spinner Alana King as a replacement for all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who has been ruled out of the Women’s Premier League 2026 due to personal reasons. Delhi Capitals respect and support Sutherland in her decision and wish her the very best,” the franchise said in a release.

Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Tara Norris will not be available to take part in WPL due to her national commitments. At the time of auctions, the United States of America had not made it through to the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier, but since they are in now, Norris will be playing for the national side. Both WPL and Qualifiers have a date clash, which has led to the situation of pick-one leave-one. 

Charli Knott, the uncapped all-rounder from Australia, has been named as the replacement for Norris, and she will be getting INR 10 lakh for her participation with the UP Warriorz squad for the upcoming season.

The upcoming season of the marquee event will get underway on February 9, with a thrilling opener between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy. After playing the first half in Navi Mumbai, the second phase will require the teams to travel to Vadodara for the remainder of league stage games as well as the playoffs at the BCA Stadium.

Speaking of 2025, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led MI Women clinched the title for the second time, by beating Delhi Capitals in the summit clash.