As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) prepares for its 2025 auction, all franchises have revealed which players they plan to retain and release. Each WPL team can have up to 18 players on its roster, with no more than six international players.
These retention and release decisions are crucial as teams strive to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. Some notable players were released as franchises refined their lineups, raising discussions among fans and analysts.
Players like India’s Sneh Rana, New Zealand’s Lea Tahuhu, and Poonam Yadav were surprisingly let go. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) decided not to retain England’s captain, Heather Knight, and Mumbai Indians released fast bowler Issy Wong.
However, many teams retained their key players, focusing on consistency as they gear up for the new season. Here’s a look at the top three most expensive releases leading up to the WPL 2025 auction.
3. Heather Knight – ₹40 Lakh
England’s Heather Knight was one of the big releases by RCB. Purchased at ₹40 lakh during the inaugural WPL season, Knight played eight games in 2023, scoring 135 runs with a high of 34 and also taking four wickets. She missed the 2024 season due to international commitments, and RCB chose not to retain her for 2025.
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2. Laura Harris – ₹45 Lakh
Australian all-rounder Laura Harris was picked up by Delhi Capitals for ₹45 lakh after a bidding war with RCB. Despite her high price, Harris played only one match over two seasons without batting or bowling. Delhi Capitals released her, making her available for auction once more.
1. Sneh Rana – ₹75 Lakh
India’s Sneh Rana, picked by Gujarat Giants for ₹75 lakh, played 12 matches but didn’t deliver the impact expected. Her release was unexpected, as many thought she’d be retained. Despite her modest performance, she’s one of the costliest players released ahead of the 2025 season.
The WPL auction will now determine where these players land and how each team finalizes its squad for an exciting new season.
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Also Read: WPL 2025: List Of Retained Players From 5 Franchises
