WPL 2026 Retentions: Harmanpreet, Mandhana Retained; Healy, Lanning Released
WPL 2026 Retentions: Harmanpreet, Mandhana Retained; Healy, Lanning Released
The Women's Premier League (WPL) has announced its retention lists for the 2026 season, with several high-profile players either retained by their franchises or released back into the auction pool. Key Indian stalwarts Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues are among those confirmed to continue with their respective teams, while prominent international stars Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning have been released, signaling a significant reshuffle ahead of the upcoming player auction.
Background: The Evolution of the WPL
The Women's Premier League, conceptualized and executed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), launched in 2023 with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing women's cricket. Modeled on the highly successful Indian Premier League (IPL), the WPL aimed to provide a robust professional platform for female cricketers, fostering talent, increasing global visibility, and driving commercial growth within the sport.
The inaugural season in 2023 featured five franchises: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants. The tournament quickly garnered immense popularity, showcasing high-quality cricket, competitive matches, and a passionate fan base. Mumbai Indians, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, emerged as the champions of the inaugural season, setting a high benchmark for future editions.
Subsequent seasons built on this foundation, with the league progressively refining its operational framework, including player acquisition rules. Initially, franchises had limited retention options, ensuring a dynamic auction pool and competitive balance. Over time, the BCCI, in consultation with the franchises, has adjusted these policies to allow teams to build more stable core groups while still providing opportunities for new talent and strategic overhauls.
The retention window typically opens several months before the player auction, allowing franchises to assess player performance, fitness, and strategic fit within their salary cap. This period is crucial for teams to decide which players form the bedrock of their future plans and which ones, despite their past contributions, might be better replaced or reacquired through the auction.
Leading up to the 2026 season, the WPL has solidified its position as one of the premier women's sporting leagues globally. The performances of players in the WPL have directly influenced selections for national teams, both Indian and international, underscoring its impact on the broader cricketing landscape. The league's financial health has also remained robust, attracting significant sponsorship and broadcasting interest, which in turn fuels player salaries and overall development initiatives.
Key Developments: High-Profile Retentions and Releases
The official retention window for the WPL 2026 season concluded on November 25, 2025, leading to a series of significant announcements that will shape the team compositions for the upcoming tournament. Franchises submitted their lists of retained and released players, adhering to the specified salary cap and retention limits.
Retained Stars: Continuity and Leadership
Among the most anticipated retentions were those of India's leading cricketers. Harmanpreet Kaur, the dynamic captain who led Mumbai Indians to the inaugural WPL title, has been retained by the franchise. Her retention underscores her irreplaceable value not just as a power-hitter and astute captain but also as a charismatic leader who embodies the Mumbai Indians' winning spirit. Kaur's ability to perform under pressure and inspire her team has been a consistent highlight of her WPL career.
Smriti Mandhana, the elegant left-handed opener and captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, also secured her retention. Despite RCB's inconsistent performances in previous seasons, Mandhana's individual brilliance with the bat and her immense commercial appeal make her a cornerstone of the franchise. Her retention signals RCB's continued faith in her leadership and her potential to turn the team's fortunes around in the coming seasons.
Jemimah Rodrigues, the energetic top-order batter for Delhi Capitals, was another prominent Indian player retained. Rodrigues has been a consistent run-scorer and an exceptional fielder for DC, contributing significantly to their strong showings. Her ability to accelerate the innings and her vibrant presence on the field make her a valuable asset, and her retention ensures continuity in Delhi's batting lineup.
Beyond these marquee Indian players, other significant retentions across the league include Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz), known for her all-round prowess and tactical acumen, and Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants), a destructive batter and off-spin bowler who has consistently delivered match-winning performances. Marizanne Kapp (Delhi Capitals) was also retained, her experience with both bat and ball proving invaluable for the Capitals' balanced squad. These retentions indicate a strategic focus by franchises on maintaining a strong core of experienced and high-performing players.
Major Releases: Strategic Shifts and New Opportunities
The retention period also saw some high-profile releases, most notably two Australian stalwarts: Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning. Alyssa Healy, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter who previously captained UP Warriorz, has been released. Healy's aggressive batting and astute leadership have been features of her WPL tenure, but her release suggests a potential strategic shift by the Warriorz, possibly aimed at managing their salary cap or exploring new captaincy options.
Meg Lanning, the legendary Australian captain who led Delhi Capitals with distinction, has also been released. Lanning's decision to retire from international cricket in 2023 might have influenced this decision, though her form in the WPL remained strong. Her release creates a significant void in leadership and experience for the Capitals, who will now need to identify a new captain or a senior player to fill that role. It also places a player of immense pedigree back into the auction pool, making her a potential target for teams seeking a proven leader and consistent batter.
Other notable international players released include Sophie Devine (Royal Challengers Bangalore) and Danni Wyatt (UP Warriorz), both known for their destructive batting. Their releases indicate that franchises are looking to refresh their overseas contingent, potentially targeting players with different skill sets or those who can offer more flexibility within the team structure. Some lesser-performing players, both Indian and international, have also been released, allowing franchises to free up funds and squad slots for the upcoming auction.
These decisions reflect a complex interplay of factors including player form, age, salary demands, team balance, and the long-term vision of each franchise. The release of established stars like Healy and Lanning underscores the competitive nature of the WPL and the willingness of teams to make tough choices in pursuit of optimal squad construction.
Impact: Reshaping Team Dynamics and Player Futures
The retention and release decisions for WPL 2026 will have far-reaching implications, affecting individual players, franchise strategies, and the overall competitive landscape of the league.
Impact on Released Players
For players like Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning, release from their previous franchises does not signify an end to their WPL careers but rather a new beginning. Both players are highly experienced and have proven track records of success at the highest level. They will undoubtedly be among the most sought-after players in the upcoming auction, with multiple franchises likely to engage in bidding wars for their services. Their release offers them the opportunity to potentially secure a new, lucrative contract and join a team that might offer a different role or a fresh challenge.
The financial implications for released players can vary. While some might command similar or even higher bids due to increased demand, others might see a reduction in their contract value, depending on auction dynamics and team purses. For younger or lesser-known players who have been released, the auction represents a crucial opportunity to impress scouts and secure a new contract, potentially with a different franchise looking for specific skill sets.
Impact on Retained Players
For retained players such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues, the confirmation of their contracts brings stability and reinforces their importance to their respective franchises. This security allows them to focus solely on their performance and leadership responsibilities without the uncertainty of an auction. Their retention also solidifies their roles as key figures and brand ambassadors for their teams, carrying the expectations of fans and management alike.
The trust placed in them through retention often comes with increased pressure to perform consistently and justify the investment. These players are expected to continue delivering match-winning performances and contribute significantly to their team's success, both on and off the field.
Impact on Franchises
The retention decisions fundamentally reshape the core of each WPL franchise. Teams that have retained a strong nucleus can now focus on filling specific gaps in their squad during the auction, using their remaining purse strategically. For example, Delhi Capitals, having released Meg Lanning, will now need to identify a new captain or a senior batter to bolster their top order. UP Warriorz, after releasing Alyssa Healy, might look for a new wicketkeeper-batter or a different overseas combination.
The remaining salary cap and the number of available slots will dictate each franchise's auction strategy. Teams will analyze the released player pool, potential new entrants, and uncapped talent to build a balanced squad that aligns with their tactical objectives. The auction becomes a high-stakes game of strategy, where shrewd decisions can significantly influence a team's performance in the upcoming season.
Impact on League Dynamics
The influx of high-caliber players like Healy and Lanning into the auction pool ensures that the WPL 2026 auction will be a highly anticipated event. This movement of star players can shift the balance of power within the league, potentially strengthening teams that successfully acquire them. It also ensures that the competition remains fresh and unpredictable, with every team having the opportunity to significantly upgrade their squad. The competitive nature of the auction also underscores the WPL's commitment to maintaining a level playing field and preventing any single team from dominating for too long.
What Next: The Road to WPL 2026
With the retention window now closed, all attention turns to the next crucial phase: the WPL 2026 Player Auction.
The WPL 2026 Player Auction
The player auction is tentatively scheduled for late January 2026, with potential venues being Mumbai or Bengaluru. This event will be the focal point of the WPL pre-season, where franchises will bid for the services of both released players and new entrants. The auction will feature a mix of seasoned international cricketers, promising Indian talent, and uncapped players vying for a spot in one of the five WPL squads.
Players like Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning are expected to be hot commodities, potentially sparking intense bidding wars. Their experience, leadership, and match-winning capabilities make them invaluable assets for any team. Additionally, franchises will be scouting for young Indian talent who have performed well in domestic tournaments, aiming to nurture the next generation of WPL stars.
Team strategies will be diverse. Some franchises will focus on acquiring specific specialists to address weaknesses identified in previous seasons, such as a death bowler or a middle-order finisher. Others might prioritize building a strong bench strength, ensuring they have adequate cover for injuries or form slumps. The auction will be a test of foresight, negotiation skills, and financial prudence for all team managements.
Pre-Season Preparations and Schedule Announcement
Following the auction, teams will typically embark on pre-season training camps. These camps, usually held in February or early March, are vital for team bonding, tactical planning, and physical conditioning. Players will integrate into their new squads, and coaching staff will work on developing team chemistry and refining strategies for the upcoming tournament.
The full schedule for WPL 2026, including match dates, venues, and timings, is expected to be announced shortly after the auction. This announcement will generate further excitement among fans, allowing them to plan their attendance and follow their favorite teams. The BCCI aims to maintain a compact schedule to ensure high-intensity cricket and minimize travel fatigue for players.
Long-Term Vision and Growth
The retention and auction processes are integral to the BCCI's long-term vision for the WPL. By allowing a mix of continuity and strategic change, the league aims to remain dynamic, competitive, and engaging. The WPL continues to be a critical platform for developing Indian women cricketers, providing them with exposure to international standards and opportunities to play alongside and against the world's best.
The league's commercial success also continues to grow, attracting new sponsors and expanding its global broadcast reach. This financial stability ensures that the WPL can continue to invest in infrastructure, player welfare, and grassroots development, further cementing its position as a cornerstone of women's cricket worldwide. The decisions made for WPL 2026 are not just about the next season; they are about shaping the future trajectory of the league and women's cricket as a whole.
