WPL 2025 Retentions — Full Breakdown, Top Retained Players & Biggest Shocks

WPL 2025 Retentions: Bold Calls, Big Names, and Shocking Exits

By Newpress Staff • Published November 11, 2025 • Updated November 12, 2025

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 retention list has arrived — packed with strategy, surprises and a few shocks. Teams took very different routes: some doubled down on established cores, others cleared the decks and prepared to rebuild at auction. Below is a team-by-team breakdown with the top retentions and the most surprising releases.

“This year’s retentions are not just about money — they are about message.” Teams are either signalling continuity or betting on a reset.

Nat Sciver-Brunt retained by Mumbai Indians
Nat Sciver-Brunt — retained by Mumbai Indians. Photo: Sportzpics for BCCI / WPL 2025 (editorial use only).

Mumbai Indians — The Champions Double Down

Mumbai Indians retained five players, showing complete faith in their title-winning nucleus. Nat Sciver-Brunt headlines the list after being retained for ₹3.25 crore.

PlayerRetention Value
Nat Sciver-Brunt₹3.25 crore
Harmanpreet Kaur₹2.5 crore
Hayley Matthews₹1.75 crore
Amanjot Kaur₹1 crore
G. Kamalini₹50 lakh

Remaining purse: ₹5.75 crore | RTM: None

Amelia Kerr released by Mumbai Indians
Amelia Kerr — released by Mumbai Indians. Photo: Sportzpics for BCCI / WPL 2025 (editorial use only).
Meg Lanning released by Delhi Capitals
Meg Lanning — a shock release from Delhi Capitals. Photo: Sportzpics for BCCI / WPL 2025 (editorial use only).

Delhi Capitals — Farewell, Meg Lanning

Delhi matched Mumbai in player count but stunned fans by releasing captain Meg Lanning. The franchise retained Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland — leaving ₹5.7 crore for the auction.

PlayerRetention Value
Shafali Verma₹2.2 crore
Jemimah Rodrigues₹2.2 crore
Marizanne Kapp₹2.2 crore
Annabel Sutherland₹2.2 crore
Niki Prasad₹50 lakh
Smriti Mandhana retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Smriti Mandhana — retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Photo: Sportzpics for BCCI / WPL 2025 (editorial use only).

Royal Challengers Bengaluru — Keeping the Core

RCB retained Smriti Mandhana (₹3.5 crore) alongside Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry and Shreyanka Patil. The franchise retains flexibility with around ₹6.15 crore left for auction day manoeuvres.

PlayerRetention Value
Smriti Mandhana₹3.5 crore
Richa Ghosh₹2.75 crore
Ellyse Perry₹2 crore
Shreyanka Patil₹60 lakh
Ashleigh Gardner retained by Gujarat Giants
Ashleigh Gardner — retained by Gujarat Giants. Photo: Sportzpics for BCCI / WPL 2025 (editorial use only).

Gujarat Giants — Minimal Retentions, Maximum Purse

Gujarat retained Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney, freeing up ₹9 crore in their purse and holding three RTM cards. Expect aggressive bidding from the Giants at the auction.

PlayerRetention Value
Ashleigh Gardner₹3.5 crore
Beth Mooney₹2.5 crore
Deepti Sharma released by UP Warriorz
Deepti Sharma — among the notable releases from UP Warriorz. Photo: Sportzpics for BCCI / WPL 2025 (editorial use only).

UP Warriorz — The Great Reset

UP Warriorz retained only Shweta Sehrawat for ₹50 lakh, releasing established internationals and holding the largest purse (₹14.5 crore) heading into the auction.

PlayerRetention Value
Shweta Sehrawat₹50 lakh

What’s Next: The Road to the WPL Auction

  • Player registration closes: November 18
  • Final auction list released: November 20
  • Auction window: November 26–29

With the stage set, all eyes are on the WPL 2025 auction. Will veterans retain their value or will fresh faces rewrite the transfer market? The answers will come at the hammer.

Quick Facts: WPL 2025 Retention Rules

  • Each franchise may retain up to five players (maximum three Indian; the remainder may be overseas or uncapped).
  • Total purse per team: ₹15 crore.
  • Purse deductions per retention: ₹3.5 cr → ₹2.5 cr → ₹1.75 cr → ₹1 cr → ₹50 lakh.
  • Fewer retentions grant more Right to Match (RTM) options.

Expert Take: What These Retentions Reveal

Analysts suggest that WPL 2025’s retention trends highlight the growing importance of multi-dimensional players. Teams are prioritizing flexibility and proven performance under pressure. The decision to release big names like Meg Lanning and Amelia Kerr reflects evolving auction dynamics and the increasing focus on balance rather than reputation.

Fan Reactions & Auction Buzz

Social media exploded following the retention announcements. Supporters of Delhi Capitals voiced surprise at Meg Lanning’s release, while RCB fans celebrated Smriti Mandhana’s renewed leadership. The upcoming auction promises a fierce battle for key overseas all-rounders.

Author: Newpress Staff

For syndication or media queries: editor@newspress.site

All images © Sportzpics for BCCI / WPL 2025 — used under editorial license.