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WPL 2025 Auction Rules Explained- Retention, Purse Deductions, RTM Guide & Shocking releases
WPL 2025 Auction Rules Explained- Retention, Purse Deductions, RTM Guide & Shocking releases
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.
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.
| Player | Retention 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
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.
| Player | Retention 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 |
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.
| Player | Retention Value |
|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | ₹3.5 crore |
| Richa Ghosh | ₹2.75 crore |
| Ellyse Perry | ₹2 crore |
| Shreyanka Patil | ₹60 lakh |
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.
| Player | Retention Value |
|---|---|
| Ashleigh Gardner | ₹3.5 crore |
| Beth Mooney | ₹2.5 crore |
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.
| Player | Retention 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.
