The WPL 2026 retention list saw multiple surprises as major players like Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma were released, while teams like RCB and MI chose to retain their core squads.
The retention list for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season was officially released, with all five franchises confirming their retained players ahead of the mega auction. The announcement brought several surprises, as some key players were released while others retained their spots.
| Team | Retained Players | Purse Remaining (INR) | RTMs |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCB | Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, Shreyanka Patil | 6.25 crore | 1 |
| DC | Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Niki Prasad | 5.75 crore | 0 |
| GG | Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney | 9.00 crore | 3 |
| UP-W | Shweta Sehrawat | 14.50 crore | 4 |
| MI | Harmanpreet Kaur, Amanjot Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, G Kamalini | 5.75 crore | 0 |
As expected, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have retained the core of their championship-winning side. Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyanka Patil will continue to represent the team in 2026. There were earlier rumours about Renuka Singh being retained, but the franchise decided against it.
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Capitals Release Meg Lanning, UP Warriorz Make shocking call
Delhi Capitals (DC) made headlines by releasing their captain, Meg Lanning. The Australian star had led DC to three consecutive WPL finals but failed to lift the trophy each time. Despite her release, the franchise has retained a strong core with Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, the Indian World Cup-winning duo, still in the squad.
UP Warriorz surprised everyone by releasing the World Cup Player of the Tournament, Deepti Sharma. The franchise retained only one player, Shweta Sehrawat, and will enter the mega auction with the largest purse of INR 14.50 crore.
Gujarat Giants (GG), who have struggled to find consistency across the past three WPL seasons, have placed their faith in their Australian players. Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney are the only two retained players, while the rest have been released. With a remaining purse of INR 9 crore, GG hold the second-highest budget ahead of the auction.
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The defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), have chosen stability by keeping their core intact. Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, and G Kamalini remain with the franchise, which has a remaining purse of INR 5.75 crore.
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