Top 5 Costliest Buys In WPL Auction History

Costliest Buys In WPL Auction History (Source: Web)

The Women's Premier League (WPL) has witnessed some big-money signings since its inaugural auction in 2023, with franchises willing to spend heavily on match-winners who can make an impact with both bat and ball.

Australian captain Sophie Molineux emerged as the most expensive player at the WPL 2027 mini-auction, joining UP Warriorz for ₹1.10 crore. While her signing topped the latest auction, it remains below the biggest bids in the league's auction history.

Here's a look at the top five costliest buys in WPL auction history, based on the price paid for players at auction.

1. Smriti Mandhana - ₹3.40 Crore (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2023)

Smriti Mandhana became the most expensive player in the inaugural WPL auction in 2023 when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured her services for ₹3.40 crore. The Indian opener entered the auction with a base price of ₹50 lakh, but the bidding climbed to establish a record that still stands.

Mandhana's value came from her international experience, consistency at the top of the order and ability to score quickly. As one of India's leading batters, she was a marquee signing for RCB as the franchise built its squad for the league's first season.

Her ₹3.40 crore deal remains the highest auction price paid for a player in WPL history.

2. Ashleigh Gardner - ₹3.20 Crore (Gujarat Giants, 2023)

Ashleigh Gardner was among the biggest overseas signings at the inaugural auction, with Gujarat Giants paying ₹3.20 crore for the Australian all-rounder. Her price placed her among the most expensive players sold in the WPL auction.

Gardner offered Gujarat Giants a valuable combination of power-hitting and off-spin bowling. Her ability to contribute in both departments made her an attractive option for a franchise looking to build a competitive side around experienced international players.

The Australian's ₹3.20 crore bid was one of the standout deals of the 2023 auction and remains among the highest prices recorded in the league.

3. Nat Sciver-Brunt - ₹3.20 Crore (Mumbai Indians, 2023)

Mumbai Indians spent ₹3.20 crore to sign England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt at the inaugural WPL auction. The bidding placed her among the most expensive overseas players bought in 2023.

---

ALSO READ

Nat Sciver-Brunt Scales Huge Record With 50 In T20 World Cup Final Vs Australia

---

Sciver-Brunt brought considerable international experience and versatility to Mumbai's squad. A dependable middle-order batter and seam-bowling option, she offered the franchise the flexibility to contribute in multiple phases of a match.

4. Deepti Sharma - ₹3.20 Crore (UP Warriorz, 2026)

The highest wicket-taker in women's international cricket history, Deepti Sharma joined the ₹3.20 crore club at the WPL 2026 mega-auction, when UP Warriorz used their Right to Match (RTM) card to secure the Indian all-rounder.

Deepti had previously represented UP Warriorz and was a key player because of her off-spin bowling, middle-order batting and experience in pressure situations. The RTM card allowed the franchise to match the final bid and bring her back into its squad.

Her ₹3.20 crore deal equalled the prices paid for Gardner and Sciver-Brunt in 2023.

5. Amelia Kerr - ₹3 Crore (Mumbai Indians, 2026)

New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr completes the list after Mumbai Indians bought her for ₹3 crore at the WPL 2026 mega-auction.

Kerr is known for her leg-spin bowling and ability to contribute valuable runs in the middle order. Her all-round skill set has made her an important player, giving Mumbai an option who can influence matches with both disciplines.

The ₹3 crore deal placed Kerr just below the three players who fetched ₹3.20 crore and Mandhana's record ₹3.40 crore signing.

Top 5 Costliest Buys In WPL Auction History: At A Glance

---

ALSO READ

WPL 2027 Auction: 5 Players Who Shockingly Went Unsold

---