WPL 2026 Auction: 5 overseas players who can start fierce bidding wars

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The WPL 2026 mega auction, set to take place in New Delhi, promises one of the most competitive bidding floors in the league’s young history. With teams reshaping their core groups for a fresh season and 23 overseas slots available across franchises, elite international performers are expected to be in high demand.

1) Sophie Ecclestone: The most wanted spinner in the auction pool

England’s star left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone enters the WPL 2026 auction as one of the most coveted bowlers in world cricket. With more than 140 T20I wickets at an admirable average and economy rate, Ecclestone has built her reputation as a reliable match-winner across formats and conditions.

Her strengths make her an elite, multi-phase operator:

In spin-friendly Indian conditions, high-quality left-arm spinners are rare commodities. Ecclestone’s proven pedigree and temperament ensure that teams looking to build their bowling attack around a world-class slow bowler will enter the auction with aggressive intent.

2) Laura Wolvaardt: The dependable top-order run machine

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has transformed into one of the most consistent and technically assured T20 openers in the world. With more than 2,000 T20 runs, a strong average, and excellent boundary-hitting numbers, she offers exactly what WPL teams crave – top-order stability.

Wolvaardt’s strengths include:

In a league where early collapses can derail entire seasons, Wolvaardt stands out as a foundational top-order player. Teams searching for a reliable opener around whom their middle order can revolve will likely pursue her aggressively.

3) Amelia Kerr: The complete three-dimensional all-round option

New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr brings unparalleled balance with her triple-threat skillset – top-order batting, penetrative leg-spin, and exceptional fielding. Her match-winning performances in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, where she was Player of the Match in the final and Player of the Tournament, raised her stock even further.

Kerr’s versatility allows teams to:

Given how hard it is to find world-class all-rounders who can influence both innings, Kerr may command one of the highest bids of the auction, with franchises willing to stretch their purse capacity to secure her.

4) Phoebe Litchfield: Young star perfectly suited for Indian conditions

Australia’s rising sensation Phoebe Litchfield has already proven her prowess in subcontinental conditions, most notably with a superb ODI hundred at the Wankhede Stadium in 2024. Her strong T20 numbers in India – highlighting consistency and composure- make her an ideal long-term investment.

What makes Litchfield a premium option:

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

With WPL franchises seeking young overseas players who can grow with the league, Litchfield is expected to be one of the most sought-after batters in the auction.

5) Nadine de Klerk: High-impact seam-bowling all-rounder

South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk brings a valuable skillset that franchises often struggle to find – a seam-bowling all-rounder who contributes in multiple phases of the game. Known for her fighting spirit, de Klerk consistently provides crucial lower-order runs and breakthrough wickets.

Her attributes include:

Given the scarcity of overseas seam-bowling all-rounders, de Klerk could become a strategic target for teams looking for depth and balance at number 6 or No. 7.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that can target Sophie Ecclestone in the mega auction

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