New Delhi: Australia captain and spinner Sophie Molineux emerged as the most expensive player in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction so far, joining UP Warriorz for Rs 1.1 crore after a bidding contest with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
UP Warriorz, coached by Abhishek Nayar, secured Molineux after outbidding the Smriti Mandhana-led RCB. The Australian spinner’s acquisition marked a significant addition to the UP-based franchise’s squad ahead of the upcoming season.
India batter Kiran Navgire emerged as the second-most expensive purchase of the auction so far. Delhi Capitals, led by Jemimah Rodrigues, bought Navgire for Rs 75 lakh following a bidding battle with Mumbai Indians.
The auction also saw UP Warriorz strengthen their squad with the additions of India spinner Sneh Rana and Australian all-rounder Grace Harris, while Gujarat Giants picked up wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini and Irish all-rounder Orla Prendergast at their respective base prices.
UP Warriorz win bidding battle for Molineux
Molineux’s signing was one of the major developments in the auction, with UP Warriorz and RCB competing for the Australian player.
The Rs 1.1 crore deal made her the costliest acquisition at that stage of the auction. Her experience as an international captain and left-arm spinner adds another option to UP Warriorz’s bowling resources.
Molineux is known for her spin bowling and ability to contribute with the bat, making her a versatile option in the shortest format. Her international experience could be valuable to a franchise looking to build a balanced squad for the 2027 season.
UP Warriorz’s successful bid also denied RCB the opportunity to secure the Australian spinner, as the Bengaluru franchise competed for her services.
The signing reflects the importance franchises place on experienced international players who can contribute in multiple roles during a demanding T20 tournament.
Kiran Navgire joins Delhi Capitals for Rs 75 lakh
India batter Kiran Navgire was the next major name in the auction, with Delhi Capitals securing her for Rs 75 lakh.
The purchase followed a bidding contest with Mumbai Indians, highlighting the interest in Navgire’s batting abilities. Her addition gives Delhi Capitals another Indian batting option as the franchise prepares for the new season.
Navgire has attracted attention for her aggressive approach in the shorter format. The ability to score quickly can be particularly important in the WPL, where teams often rely on power-hitters to accelerate during the middle and death overs.
Delhi Capitals, led by Jemimah Rodrigues, will look to integrate Navgire into their batting plans as they assemble their squad for the tournament.
Mumbai Indians’ participation in the bidding indicates that Navgire was also under consideration by another franchise before Delhi secured her services.
UP Warriorz add Sneh Rana and Grace Harris
UP Warriorz continued their recruitment by securing India spinner Sneh Rana and Australian all-rounder Grace Harris.
Rana brings domestic and international experience in spin bowling, while Harris offers an all-round option with her ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
The two signings give UP Warriorz additional flexibility in squad selection. Rana can strengthen the spin department, while Harris provides the franchise with another potential batting option and a bowling resource.
Alongside Molineux, the additions could help the franchise build a varied bowling attack and provide more combinations for different match conditions.
With the WPL’s competitive format placing considerable demands on squad depth, players who can perform more than one role can be valuable throughout the season.
Gujarat Giants pick G Kamalini and Orla Prendergast
Gujarat Giants strengthened their squad by signing Indian wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini and Irish all-rounder Orla Prendergast at base price.
Kamalini offers wicketkeeping skills alongside her batting, giving the franchise another option behind the stumps and in the batting order.
Prendergast, an all-rounder from Ireland, adds an international option capable of contributing in more than one department. Her signing also provides Gujarat Giants with another choice as they work towards balancing their overseas and domestic players.
Acquiring both players at base price allows the franchise to add squad depth without engaging in an extended bidding contest for either player.
Franchises build squads for WPL 2027
The auction has highlighted the different strategies being pursued by the franchises as they prepare for the 2027 season.
UP Warriorz have made a significant investment in Molineux while also adding Rana and Harris, combining international experience with Indian spin resources.
Delhi Capitals have secured Navgire following competition from Mumbai Indians, while Gujarat Giants have focused on adding Kamalini and Prendergast at base price.
The early high-value purchases underline the demand for players who can make an impact in T20 cricket. As the auction progresses, the franchises will continue to weigh player roles, squad balance and available budgets while assembling their teams.
Molineux’s Rs 1.1 crore signing and Navgire’s Rs 75 lakh deal have set the early benchmarks among the purchases reported so far.