WPL retentions 2026: Deepti Sharma & Alyssa Healy to be released – Report
by Naman Jain · Inside Sport IndiaThe BCCI is likely to official the Women's Premier League (WPL) retentions after 4th IND vs AUS T20I
In a move that can catch many fans and experts stumped, UP Warriorz (UPW) have decided to release Deepti Sharma and Alyssa Healy ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction. Deepti, fresh from being named Player of the Series in India’s historic 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup triumph, was expected to be one of the first names on the Warriorz retention list. Yet, surprisingly, the all-rounder, who claimed a fifer and scored a half-century in the World Cup final, will now enter the auction pool. This is as per ESPNcricinfo.
Healy, who captained the side in the inaugural seasons but missed most of 2025 due to injury, was expected to return to the leadership role. Her release, paired with Deepti’s, confirms the franchise’s intent to rebuild from the ground up. Shweta Sehrawat is likely to be the only retention for UP Warriorz.
Bold reset button for UP Warriorz
The decision means a major reset for the franchise after two underwhelming WPL campaigns. The Warriorz have retained only one player, uncapped batter Shweta Sehrawat, effectively wiping the slate clean. The team management, reportedly aiming for a fresh start, has released not only Deepti and Healy but also other major names like Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, Alana King, Sophie Ecclestone, and Georgia Voll.
Despite the shock release, there’s still a twist in the tale. The Warriorz can use one of their four Right-to-Match (RTM) cards at the auction to buy Deepti Sharma back. With INR 14.5 crore remaining in their purse, they have the financial muscle to fight for her services once the bidding begins on November 27.
Deepti was earlier retained for ₹2.6 crore, making her the second-most expensive Indian player in WPL history. Given her recent form, arguably the best phase of her career, the franchise will have to brace for a fierce bidding war if they intend to reacquire her. Deepti could well become the costliest player at the WPL mega auction.
WPL 2026 Retentions (likely)
| Team | Retained Players | Purse Remainig | RTM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Niki Prasad | ₹5.75 crore | 0 |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini, Hayley Matthews | ₹5.75 crore | 0 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil | ₹6.25 crore | 1 |
| Gujarat Giants (GG) | Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney | ₹9 crore | 3 |
| UP Warriorz (UPW) | Shweta Sehrawat | ₹14.5 crore | 4 |
Unlike UP Warriorz’ drastic approach, Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have stuck with their core groups, retaining the maximum five players allowed. Both sides will enter the auction with ₹5.75 crore left, banking on stability over experimentation.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) retained four players, including captain Smriti Mandhana, and will have ₹6.25 crore to spend, along with one RTM card. Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, have retained just two overseas players and possess three RTMs, though only for Indian players.
WPL 2026 Retention Rules
- Maximum retentions: 5 players
- Up to 3 capped Indians, 2 overseas players, and 2 uncapped Indians (1 mandatory if 5 retained)
- Each team has ₹15 crore purse
- Up to 5 RTM cards, number reduces with retentions
- Retention deadline: November 5
- Auction window: November 25–29