WPL 2027 Auction shocking omissions (Source: Web)
The WPL 2027 mini-auction took place in Kochi on Wednesday, October 28, as franchises looked to complete their squads ahead of the upcoming season. With only 27 slots available across Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, competition for contracts was fierce.
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux emerged as the most expensive player, joining UP Warriorz for ₹1.10 crore.
Delhi Capitals secured hard-hitting Indian batter Kiran Navgire for ₹75 lakh, while Australian all-rounders Jess Jonassen and Grace Harris fetched ₹40 lakh and ₹30 lakh, respectively. Young Indian wicketkeeper-batter G. Kamalini also attracted a ₹40 lakh bid from Gujarat Giants.
However, while several players secured lucrative deals, the auction also delivered some surprising omissions. A number of cricketers with international experience, previous WPL success or promising potential failed to attract a single bid.
Here are five notable names who went unsold at the WPL 2027 auction.
1. Sophia Dunkley
England batter Sophia Dunkley was one of the biggest overseas names to go unsold at the WPL 2027 auction. Listed at a base price of ₹50 lakh, the right-hander failed to attract interest from any of the five franchises despite her international experience and aggressive approach at the top of the order.
Dunkley previously represented Gujarat Giants in the WPL, where her ability to attack from the outset made her an exciting option.
However, with franchises prioritising specific squad combinations and having limited overseas slots available, the England batter was unable to secure a contract for the upcoming season.
2. Chamari Athapaththu
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu was another high-profile overseas player who failed to find a buyer in Kochi.
The experienced all-rounder entered the auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh but went unsold, despite her reputation as an explosive batter and a useful bowling option.
Athapaththu previously featured for UP Warriorz during the 2024 WPL season, scoring 28 runs and taking four wickets in four matches.
She had also gone unsold at the 2026 mega-auction, making this another disappointing outcome for the Sri Lankan star. Given her international record and leadership experience, her omission was among the auction’s biggest surprises.
3. Milly Illingworth
Australian fast-bowling prospect Milly Illingworth was another surprising omission from the WPL 2027 auction. The young right-arm pacer represented Australia at the 2023 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, gaining valuable exposure at an early stage of her career.
Known for her distinctive slingy action, Illingworth can generate sharp bounce and hurry batters with her pace. Her potential attracted the attention of Mumbai Indians, who signed her for ₹10 lakh ahead of the WPL 2026 season.
The move had put her on the radar as a promising overseas prospect, but MI did not bring her back through the 2027 auction, and no other franchise made a bid for her services.
4. Saika Ishaque
Saika Ishaque’s omission was particularly striking given the impact she made during the inaugural WPL season in 2023. Playing for Mumbai Indians, the left-arm spinner claimed 15 wickets and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Her impressive performances also earned her a maiden India call-up, putting her firmly in the spotlight.
Ishaque remained associated with Mumbai Indians in subsequent seasons, but her name went unsold at the WPL 2027 auction at a base price of ₹30 lakh.
For a bowler who had once been one of the defining success stories of the league’s inaugural edition, the outcome marked a significant change in fortunes.
5. Gautami Naik
Gautami Naik’s omission was another talking point, particularly after the young Indian batter showed what she could offer Royal Challengers Bengaluru during WPL 2026.
In a match against Gujarat Giants, RCB found themselves in early trouble at 9/2, but Naik helped steady the innings alongside captain Smriti Mandhana, building a crucial 60-run partnership for the third wicket.
Naik’s composure in a difficult situation showcased her ability to handle pressure and contribute when her team needed stability.
Despite that promising display, defending champions RCB did not secure her services at the WPL 2027 auction. She went unsold with a base price of ₹10 lakh, leaving her future in the league uncertain ahead of the new season.
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