The Women's Premier League (WPL) has quickly emerged as one of the most prominent cricket tournaments globally, attracting elite talent and massive investments. With each season, the league not only grows in excitement but also witnesses record-breaking bids for players who bring exceptional skills to the table. As we gear up for the WPL 2025 auction, set to take place on December 15 in Bengaluru, let's revisit the top 10 most expensive players in the tournament's history.
1. Smriti Mandhana: Rs. 3.40-Crore -Bangalore Royal Challengers (RC), WPL 2023Â
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana made headlines during WPL 2023 when Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured her services for a record-breaking Rs. 3.40 crore. Known for her elegant stroke play and ability to lead from the front, Mandhana remains one of the most reliable and marketable players in women's cricket.
2. Ashleigh Gardner – Rs. 3.20 Crore (Gujarat Giants, WPL 2023)
Australia's all-round star Ashleigh Gardner became the second-highest purchase in WPL 2023, with Gujarat Giants bidding Rs. 3.20 crore. Gardner’s explosive batting and effective off-spin bowling make her a dual threat in the shortest format of the game.
3. Nat Sciver-Brunt – Rs. 3.20 Crore (Mumbai Indians, WPL 2023)
Sharing the second spot with Gardner, English all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt was acquired by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 3.20 crore. With her composed batting under pressure and reliable medium-pace bowling, Sciver-Brunt has proven herself as one of the most impactful players in women's cricket.
4. Deepti Sharma – Rs. 2.60 Crore (UP Warriorz, WPL 2023)
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma fetched Rs. 2.60 crore from UP Warriorz in the 2023 auction. Known for her disciplined left-arm spin and ability to contribute crucial runs, Deepti adds immense depth and balance to her team.
5. Jemimah Rodrigues – Rs. 2.20 Crore (Delhi Capitals, WPL 2023)
Delhi Capitals invested Rs. 2.20 crore in Jemimah Rodrigues during the 2023 season. A versatile middle-order batter, Jemimah is known for her adaptability, whether stabilizing an innings or accelerating the scoring rate as needed.
6. Keshavee Gautam – Rs. 2.00 Crore (Gujarat Giants, WPL 2024)
Emerging all-rounder Keshavee Gautam was bought by Gujarat Giants for Rs. 2.00 crore in WPL 2024. Her consistent performances in domestic cricket, coupled with her potential as a reliable all-rounder, earned her a coveted spot in the league.
7. Shafali Verma – Rs. 2.00 Crore (Delhi Capitals, WPL 2023)
Known for her fearless and aggressive batting, Shafali Verma secured a Rs. Two crore (Rs. 2.00-Cr) contract from Delhi Capitals (DC) in WPL-2023. At just 20 years old, Shafali has already established herself as one of the most dynamic openers in women's cricket.
8. Beth Mooney – Rs. 2.00 Crore (Gujarat Giants, WPL 2023)
Australian wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney joined Gujarat Giants for Rs. 2.00 crore in WPL 2023. Mooney’s ability to anchor an innings and switch gears seamlessly has made her an invaluable asset in the T20 format.
9. Annabel Sutherland – Rs. 2.00 Crore (Delhi Capitals, WPL 2024)
Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland was picked up by Delhi Capitals for Rs. 2.00 crore in WPL 2024. With her powerful seam bowling and ability to hit quick runs, Sutherland adds significant value to her team, especially during crunch situations.
10. Pooja Vastrakar – Rs. 1.90 Crore (Mumbai Indians, WPL 2023)
Pooja Vastrakar, India's talented seam-bowling all-rounder, was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 1.90 crore in 2023. Her ability to deliver under pressure with both bat and ball has made her a crucial player for her team.