WPL Auction Delivers Major Surprise as Australian Great Overlooked
In a stunning turn of events at the Women's Premier League mega auction in New Delhi, Australian cricket legend Alyssa Healy failed to attract a single bid from any of the five franchises. The six-time World Cup winner, considered one of the marquee names in women's cricket, found herself unexpectedly overlooked despite her recent outstanding form that included back-to-back centuries at the World Cup.
The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batter-captain's omission sent shockwaves through the cricket community, particularly given her status as one of the game's most accomplished players. While Healy went unsold, two of her Australian teammates secured significant deals with the UP Warriorz franchise, which had previously released Healy as their captain.
Australian Stars Find New Homes in Big-Money Deals
Meg Lanning, who has been in exceptional form during the Women's Big Bash League, was snapped up by the Lucknow-based UP Warriorz for $A326,000. Meanwhile, rising star Phoebe Litchfield joined the same franchise for $A206,000, potentially creating a spectacular opening partnership when the tournament's fourth edition commences in the New Year.
The pairing of Lanning and Litchfield represents a significant coup for the Warriorz, combining experienced leadership with emerging talent. Their acquisition signals the franchise's strategic approach to building a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
Factors Behind the Auction Surprise
Several factors may have contributed to Healy's unexpected situation at the auction. Her recent injury struggles, which have plagued her over the past couple of years, likely counted against her in the bidding process. Additionally, her slow start to the current WBBL season, where she has managed only 65 runs in four innings, may have influenced team decisions.
UP Warriorz coach Abhishek Nayar provided insight into the challenging selection process, noting: "When you're allowed only four overseas players in the team, your options are limited, and many teams prefer all-rounders in their set-up. It's a tough situation for someone of her stature."
Another surprising omission was Australian leg-spinning star Alana King, who also went unsold despite her matchwinning abilities demonstrated during the recent World Cup.
Australian Presence Remains Strong in WPL
Despite these high-profile omissions, Australian players will continue to feature prominently in the league, with 13 Australian cricketers securing spots across all five teams. Defending champions Mumbai Indians strengthened their squad by acquiring Hobart Hurricanes allrounder Nicola Carey and Melbourne Renegades bowler Milly Illingworth.
The auction's biggest prize went to Indian allrounder Depti Sharma, whose player-of-the-tournament performance helped India dethrone Healy's Australians to win the World Cup earlier this month. Sharma was reclaimed by her original team UP Warriorz for A$549,000 using their Right-to-Match card.
In total, the five franchises spent an impressive $A6.9 million to sign 67 players for the world's leading women's Twenty20 competition. The tournament is scheduled to run from January 9 to February 5, with matches staged in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. The final will take place just two days before India co-hosts the men's T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka.
Australian WPL Team Placements for 2026:
- Delhi Capitals: Annabel Sutherland, Lucy Hamilton
- Gujarat Giants: Ash Gardner, Beth Mooney, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth
- Mumbai Indians: Nicola Carey, Milly Illingworth
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris, Georgia Voll
- UP Warriorz: Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield
Unsold Australian players: Alyssa Healy, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Alana King, Darcie Brown, Laura Harris, Heather Graham.
