Deepti Sharma hit jackpot at the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction in New Delhi on Thursday. The all-rounder from Agra, Uttar Pradesh was acquired by UP Warriorz for Rs 3.2 crore, making her the joint-second most expensive player in the history of the competition. The Warriorz excercised the Right-to-Match (RTM) option to rope in the player.
Deepti, who was expected to break the bank, was placed among marquee players and had a base price of Rs 50 lakh. Delhi Capitals (DC) opened the bidding and no other franchise showed interest in acquiring the services of the player. However, just when the deal was finalised Warriorz decided to use the RTM and Capitals increased the price to Rs 3.2 crore. The Warriorz accepted the offer as the all-rounder will continue to trade her services for the franchise.
"We expected the price to go up for her. We had no doubt that we will be able to win Deepti back, and we are very delighted to be able to win her back as well," Kshemal Waingankar, UP Warriorz's Director of Cricket operations, said on the signing.
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Australian cricketer Ashleigh Gardner and England's Nat Sciver-Brunt had fetched the exact amount previously. Gardner was roped in by Gujarat Giants and the latter was purchased by Mumbai Indians, with both deals coming in 2023. Meanwhile, India's ace batter Smriti Mandhana remains the most expensive player in the history of the competition. Mandhana was purchased for Rs 3.4 crore by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) before the inaugural edition.
Deepti's previous contract with the Warriorz stood at Rs 2.6 crore. In three seasons so far, Deepti has amassed 507 runs at a strike-rate of 117.63, which include three half-centuries. With the ball she has registered 27 wickets at an economy of 8.29.
The fourth edition of the WPL will be held in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, starting from January 9. The league which is usually held during the February- March window has been moved ahead this year to accommodate the men's T20 World Cup which commences on February 7.
