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The WPL 2027 auction is set to attract plenty of attention as five franchises prepare to strengthen their squads. The auction will take place in Kochi on October 28, with 146 players shortlisted, including 119 Indian and 27 overseas cricketers. Several big names are expected to attract strong interest from franchises.
UP Warriorz will enter the auction with the biggest remaining purse of Rs 3.75 crore, giving them an advantage over other teams. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals also have more than Rs 1 crore available. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have only Rs 90 lakh left in their purse.
With several teams looking to improve their squads, an intense bidding battle could take place. Experienced all-rounders and promising Indian batters are likely to be among the biggest targets.
Three players who could attract the highest bids at the WPL 2027 auction are Sophie Molineux, Chamari Athapaththu and Vrinda Dinesh. Let's look at why these players could become the most expensive picks.
WPL 2027 Auction: These 3 Players Could Trigger a Massive Bidding War
1. Sophie Molineux: Australian Star Could Attract the Biggest Bid
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Base Price: Rs 50 Lakh
Sophie Molineux could be one of the biggest attractions at the WPL 2027 auction. The Australian all-rounder offers excellent value with both bat and ball. She is a quality left-arm spinner who can also contribute important runs in the lower order.
Her leadership experience makes her even more valuable. Molineux recently led Australia to the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 title. She has also enjoyed an impressive year with the ball, taking 16 wickets to become Australia's leading wicket-taker during the period mentioned.
UP Warriorz could be among the strongest contenders to sign her, especially as the franchise looks to add experienced players to its squad. With a base price of Rs 50 lakh, Molineux could attract a bidding war between multiple teams.
2. Chamari Athapaththu: Sri Lankan Captain Could Get a Big Contract
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Base Price: Rs 30 Lakh
Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu could also attract a massive bid at the WPL 2027 auction. She is one of the most experienced all-rounders in women's cricket and is known for her aggressive batting and useful spin bowling.
Athapaththu can provide explosive starts at the top of the order and contribute with the ball when needed. Her international experience and leadership qualities make her a valuable option for franchises looking for a reliable match-winner.
UP Warriorz released Athapaththu ahead of the auction, but the franchise could consider signing her again. Her relatively low base price of Rs 30 lakh could attract several teams, potentially leading to an intense bidding battle.
3. Vrinda Dinesh: Young Indian Batter Could Become a Surprise Pick
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Base Price: Rs 10 Lakh
Young Indian batter Vrinda Dinesh could be one of the surprise stars of the WPL 2027 auction. Despite having limited experience in the league, she has impressed with her recent performances across different tournaments.
The 25-year-old has played 10 WPL matches and scored 102 runs. However, her performances in recent competitions have significantly strengthened her position as an exciting auction prospect.
Vrinda scored 171 runs at an impressive strike rate of 176.28 in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. She later continued her good form while representing India A against Australia and England.
She also scored 256 runs in seven innings during the Maharani T20 Trophy 2026. Her aggressive batting and recent consistency could make her a valuable addition to any franchise.
Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz could show strong interest in signing the young Indian batter. With a base price of just Rs 10 lakh, Vrinda could attract a much higher amount if multiple franchises compete for her services.
WPL 2027 Auction: Which Team Has the Biggest Purse?
UP Warriorz appear to have the biggest financial advantage heading into the auction, with Rs 3.75 crore available. This gives them more flexibility to target experienced international players and promising Indian talent.
However, RCB, Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals also have enough money to compete for some of the biggest names. Mumbai Indians, with only Rs 90 lakh remaining, will need to plan their auction strategy carefully.
The final bidding prices will depend on each team's requirements and the competition between franchises.
Who Could Become the Most Expensive Player in WPL 2027?
Sophie Molineux, Chamari Athapaththu and Vrinda Dinesh could be among the biggest attractions at the WPL 2027 auction.
Molineux's all-round abilities and leadership experience make her a strong contender for a big contract. Athapaththu's explosive batting and international experience could also attract aggressive bids. Meanwhile, Vrinda's recent performances could make her one of the most exciting Indian players in the auction.
With UP Warriorz holding the biggest remaining purse, all eyes will be on their auction strategy. It remains to be seen which player attracts the highest bid and whether a new record is created at the WPL 2027 auction.
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