Mumbai Indian Women in WPL 2026 (Source: AFP)The countdown to the fifth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2027) is officially underway, with the BCCI announcing the WPL 2027 player auction date and schedule.On Wednesday, the apex body of cricket in India revealed that the auction has tentatively been scheduled for October 28 in Kochi.Notably, the deadline for franchises to confirm their retained players is September 28, 2026. This gives each WPL team less than a month to finalise its retention strategy for the upcoming season.With the teams now preparing to make important changes to their squads, this article takes a look at four players whom MI-W could consider releasing.WPL 2027 Player Auction RulesThe upcoming auction will give all five franchises a chance to address gaps in their squads and strengthen their combinations ahead of the new season.Here’s everything you need to know about the WPL 2027 player auction:The WPL 2027 auction will be a mini auction.Each franchise can have a maximum of 18 players in its squad, including up to six overseas players.The salary cap for the current cycle is Rs 15 crore.Every franchise can have a maximum of 18 players in its squad.There is no limit on the number of players a franchise can retain.Mumbai Indians Women's Performance over the years in the WPLMumbai Indians have established themselves as one of the most successful franchises in the Women's Premier League history, securing two championship titles across the tournament's first four seasons.Led by Harmanpreet Kaur and initially coached by Charlotte Edwards, MI had a stellar inaugural campaign. They won the WPL 2023 title by defeating Delhi Capitals by seven wickets in the final at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.MI continued their strong form in the second season, reaching the playoff stages, though Royal Challengers Bengaluru ultimately claimed the trophy.Notably, they reached peak dominance in the following season. In 2025, Mumbai Indians captured their second title in three seasons by edging out Delhi Capitals by 8 runs in a thrilling final at the Brabourne Stadium.However, The 2026 season saw a more turbulent campaign for MI. Despite stellar individual highlights like Nat Sciver-Brunt hitting the league's first-ever century (an unbeaten 100 off 57 balls against RCB), injuries and a tighter points table led to a more inconsistent run before reaching the knockout stages.MI Women WPL 2026 Full SquadHarmanpreet Kaur (Rs. 2.5 crore), Nat Sciver-Brunt (Rs. 3.5 crore), Amanjot Kaur (Rs. 1 crore), Hayley Matthews (Rs. 1.75 crore), G. Kamalini (uncapped) (Rs. 50 lakh), Amelia Kerr (Rs 3 crore), Shabnim Ismail (Rs 60 lakh), Sanskriti Gupta (Rs 20 lakh), Sajana Sajeevan (Rs 75 lakh), Rahila Firdous (Rs 10 lakh), Nicola Carey (Rs 30 lakh), Poonam Khemnar (Rs 10 lakh), Triveni Vasistha (Rs 20 lakh), Nalla Reddy (Rs 10 lakh), Milly Illingworth (Rs 10 lakh), Saika Ishaque (Rs 10 lakh)4 Players who can be released ahead of WPL 2027 Auction1) Nalla ReddyThe Mumbai Indians’ management, featuring Indian legend Jhulan Goswami, has shown interest over the years in several Indian domestic medium pacers. One of the fast-bowling prospects picked last year was young Nalla Reddy.A medium-pacer who plays for Hyderabad was bought for Rs 10 lakh, with al ot of expectations riding on her shoulders.Also read: Performance Breakdown Of Indian Players In The Hundred Women 2026However, the 22-year-old failed to make her way into MI’s starting 11 throughout the WPL 2026 season. Thus, she may face the axe in the upcoming player auction if the team looks to explore other bowling options.2) Triveni VasisthaVasistha was another young talent unearthed by the Mumbai Indians’ scouting system for the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League.A slow-left-arm spinner with a knack for tossing the ball in the air, Triveni Vasistha was bought for Rs 20 lakh in the last player auction. The then 19-year-old played four games for the franchise but got the chance to bowl only 2 overs across those games.She ended the season wicketless, as Harmanpreet Kaur never looked confident in the young talent. With that in mind, the management might want to look ahead.3) Rahila FirdousAn experienced domestic wicketkeeper, Rahila Firdous, can also come in handy as a lower-order batter, Rahila Firdous.A proven player in the domestic circuit, Firdous got enough opportunities in the WPL 2026. However, she failed to make an impact with the bat. The Madhya Pradesh captain batted in only one clash, managing just 1 run.Her performance in the season does her no favours. Thus, the management might let her go in the upcoming WPL auction.4) Milly IllingworthAn uncapped Australian fast-bowler, Milly Illingworth, after an impressive Women's Big Bash League (WBBL 2025) campaign, was signed by the Mumbai Indians for ₹10 lakh for the 2026 season.Nonetheless, the slingy bowler did not get a chance in the WPL 2026 and went home without making her WPL debut.It is unlikely the franchise will opt for the overseas option again in the WPL 2027 player auction. Also read: Abishek Porel Granted Bail Before IPL 2027
