WPL 2026: 3 franchises that can target Phoebe Litchfield in the mega auction

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The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction promises high drama, particularly around the young Australian contingent. Among the most sought-after names is Phoebe Litchfield, the elegant left-handed batter known for her clean hitting and composure. Despite being a highly touted prospect, Litchfield was released by the Gujarat Giants (GG), creating a rare opportunity for franchises desperate for a long-term solution in the top-order batting unit.

Litchfield represents not just current talent but massive future potential. Her T20 credentials, including key performances for the Australian national side and a strong run in the WBBL, confirm her status as a premier top-order specialist. While her debut WPL season with GG saw her batting role fluctuate, her ability to anchor an innings or quickly rotate strike makes her an essential piece of a championship puzzle. With the largest-ever auction pool of 277 players and only 73 slots available—including 23 for overseas stars—Litchfield’s unique profile guarantees she will be one of the most hotly contested players, particularly by the three franchises with the clearest need for her services.

1. UP Warriorz

The UP Warriorz (UPW) are entering the Mega Auction in full reconstruction mode, having retained only one uncapped player, Shweta Sehrawat. This tactical decision leaves them with a war chest—the highest available purse at ₹14.5 crore—and six overseas slots to fill. This financial freedom allows UPW to dictate the market price for their primary targets, and Litchfield should be at the top of that list.

UPW has significant voids to fill in their overseas batting, particularly after releasing players like Alyssa Healy, who occupied a crucial top-order slot. Litchfield provides the perfect foundation for their new era: a high-class, consistent overseas batter who can open or bat at number three, providing stability and setting a platform for the middle order. Securing Litchfield would be a definitive statement of intent from the Warriorz management, instantly establishing a long-term, high-potential corner-stone around which they can build the remaining 17 players of their squad.

2. Gujarat Giants

The Gujarat Giants (GG) retained only two of their overseas stalwarts, captain Beth Mooney and all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, signaling an intent to re-tool their squad. While Litchfield was released, GG still holds three Right to Match (RTM) cards and a significant purse of ₹9.0 crore. This unique scenario positions them strongly to attempt to re-acquire the player they let go.

Litchfield’s output in her first season was modest, but she was often played out of position in the middle order. GG’s management might recognize that Litchfield is the ideal long-term partner for Mooney at the top of the order, allowing Mooney to play her natural aggressive game. If the bidding for Litchfield doesn’t immediately spiral out of control, GG can utilize one of their RTM cards to bring her back at a potentially favorable price, ensuring she is integrated back into the setup in a role that maximizes her substantial talent. Her familiarity with the team structure also makes her a less risky choice than an entirely new overseas recruit.

3. Delhi Capitals

The Delhi Capitals (DC) face the challenging task of replacing the output and presence of their former captain and batting stalwart, Meg Lanning, who retired. While DC retained a strong core, their overseas strength now leans heavily on pace all-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland. The primary gap is now a pure, top-order overseas batter to partner with Shafali Verma.

DC’s purse of ₹5.7 crore is the lowest among all franchises, meaning they must execute their strategy with surgical precision. They cannot afford a bidding war, but Litchfield offers the best pure-batting overseas option to fill Lanning’s role. She provides the necessary reliability at the top of the innings, ensuring the retained Indian core of Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma has a solid foundation to attack. Targeting Litchfield is a strategic bet on youth and consistency, which would allow DC to maintain their formidable top-order strength without overspending on an older, specialist player.

Also READ: WPL 2026: 3 franchises that can target Amelia Kerr in the mega auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.