The Indus Zone Tech Desk | New Delhi, November 6, 2025:
Ahead of the much-awaited Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 mega auction, franchises are preparing to reveal their final retention lists, and reports suggest some major international and Indian stars could be released. As per sources, Deepti Sharma, Meg Lanning, Sophie Ecclestone, and Amelia Kerr are among the big names unlikely to find a place in their respective team rosters.
Each of the five WPL franchises is allowed a maximum of five player retentions, with strict category limits — three Indian capped players, two overseas players, and two Indian uncapped players. Any team that chooses to retain all five must include at least one uncapped Indian player. In a first for the WPL, teams will also be allowed to use the Right-to-Match (RTM) card during the 2025 auction, adding an extra layer of strategy to the proceedings.
Mumbai Indians Set to Make Bold Changes
Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are reportedly planning to make significant changes to their squad. The franchise is expected to release Amelia Kerr, Pooja Vastrakar, and Yastika Bhatia ahead of the upcoming auction.
According to early indications, Mumbai is likely to focus on building around Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, with emerging talents like G Kamlini (wicketkeeper-batter) and Amanjot Kaur joining the core group. The move signals MI’s intention to blend youth with experience for the next WPL cycle.
Delhi Capitals May Move On from Meg Lanning
In what could be the biggest headline of this retention window, Delhi Capitals (DC) are expected to release their captain Meg Lanning. Under her leadership, DC reached all three WPL finals so far but failed to secure a title win.
The team is likely to retain Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Shafali Verma, ensuring a mix of all-round power and batting flair. Promising youngster Niki Prasad, who impressed in her debut season, is also expected to stay with the franchise.
This potential move indicates a strategic shift for Delhi, possibly paving the way for an Indian captain in the upcoming season.
Gujarat Giants May Opt for Overseas Core
Gujarat Giants (GG) appear to be heading toward a major rebuild. Sources suggest that the franchise might not retain any Indian player this time. Instead, they could rely heavily on their foreign contingent, aiming to strengthen their overseas core before the auction.
UP Warriorz to Start Anew Under Abhishek Nayar
With Abhishek Nayar taking over as head coach, UP Warriorz are reportedly planning a complete overhaul. Apart from Shweta Sehrawat, the talented Under-19 World Cup winner, most of their current squad — including Alyssa Healy, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and Kranti Gaud — could be released.
This reset hints at a long-term strategy to rebuild the team around younger domestic players and fresh overseas signings.
RCB Expected to Retain Core Stars
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), champions in the 2024 WPL season, are also making tough calls this year. Despite finishing fourth in 2025, they are likely to retain a strong core featuring Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Shreyanka Patil, and Richa Ghosh.
There was some internal discussion regarding Ghosh’s retention, but she is now expected to stay on. The official list will be announced later today (November 6).
Big Picture: High-Stakes Auction Ahead on WPL
The WPL 2025 Mega Auction promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with several marquee players potentially entering the auction pool. Teams are focusing on balancing star power with emerging domestic talent, as retention strategies reveal early signs of a tactical reshuffle across franchises.
As excitement builds, all eyes will be on how these bold decisions shape the league’s next chapter — and which franchise will emerge with the strongest lineup ahead of WPL 2025.
