When Amelia Kerr stepped onto the auction stage in New Delhi on November 27, 2025, no one expected her to be the second-most expensive player in Women's Premier League (WPL) New Delhi history — not even her own team. But there she was, with Mumbai Indians raising their paddle one final time, sealing her deal at INR 3 crore. The crowd fell silent. Then erupted. She wasn’t just a player anymore. She was a statement.
Why Mumbai Indians Let Her Go — Then Bought Her Back
It’s odd, really. Mumbai Indians had released Kerr just weeks before the auction. They’d retained five players — Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, and G Kamalini — which meant they lost their Right To Match option. That’s usually a sign you’re moving on. But here’s the twist: they never stopped believing in her. Kerr, 25, had been the engine of their back-to-back WPL titles in 2023 and 2025. In 29 matches across three seasons, she’d smashed 437 runs and snatched 40 wickets. In 2025 alone, she took 18 wickets — the Purple Cap. She wasn’t just a good all-rounder. She was the kind of player who wins finals with a 30-ball fifty and a crucial 4-fer in the death overs. And yet, Mumbai had let her go. Why? Financial flexibility, they said. Strategic reshuffle, others speculated. But the truth? They knew she’d come back. And they were ready to pay for it.The Auction That Broke the Mold
The WPL 2026 auction, held at the India International Convention and Expo Centre, was anything but routine. The marquee set — eight global superstars — had fans buzzing. But the real drama unfolded when Deepti Sharma was snapped up by UP Warriorz for INR 3.2 crore, making her the highest-paid player overall. Kerr’s INR 3 crore bid instantly made her the most expensive overseas player ever in WPL history — surpassing even Meg Lanning’s INR 1.9 crore deal with UP Warriorz. Meanwhile, Alyssa Healy, Australia’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter and former World Cup hero, went unsold. The silence that followed was louder than any bid. No team, not even the ones with deep pockets, wanted to gamble on her form or fitness. It was the biggest shock of the day. Even Laura Wolvaardt, the South African prodigy, failed to ignite interest. Her base price was Rs. 30 lakh. She didn’t even hit Rs. 50 lakh. The market had spoken: consistency trumps potential.
The Financial Chess Game
The purse dynamics told their own story. UP Warriorz entered with Rs. 14.5 crore — the most of any franchise — after retaining only Shweta Sehrawat. They spent aggressively: Deepti Sharma, Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, and Sophie Ecclestone (via RTM). Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, had just Rs. 5.7 crore left after locking in five stars. They still managed to land Shree Charani and Channelle Henry for Rs. 1.3 crore each — a sign they were prioritizing depth over star power. Mumbai Indians, despite having spent heavily in previous auctions, walked away with a lean, lethal squad. Alongside Kerr, they kept Sciver-Brunt, Matthews, and Kaur — the core of their championship runs. They added Nicola Carey for just Rs. 30 lakh in the final accelerated phase. That’s a steal. Carey, a gritty Australian all-rounder, could be the X-factor in middle overs.What This Means for Women’s Cricket
This auction didn’t just reshape teams — it redefined value. For the first time, a woman from outside the Indian subcontinent was valued higher than any Australian or English player. That’s not just about talent. It’s about impact. Kerr’s success — 40 WPL wickets, a World Cup title with New Zealand in 2024, and her ability to anchor innings under pressure — proved that global stars can be the backbone of domestic franchises. Former Indian cricketer Anjum Chopra put it best: “Amelia Kerr will be highly sought after. Her dual skills, her big-match temperament — she doesn’t just play, she wins.” And that’s exactly what Mumbai Indians bet on. They didn’t just buy a player. They bought a winner. The financial stakes are rising. Teams are now spending like they’re building dynasties. The WPL isn’t just a tournament anymore. It’s a global talent marketplace. And for the first time, the price tag on a woman’s skill matched — and in some cases, exceeded — that of men’s IPL stars.
What’s Next for Mumbai Indians?
With the auction over, Mumbai Indians’ squad is now set: Kerr, Sciver-Brunt, Matthews, Kaur, and a mix of Indian and international depth players like Shabnim Ismail and Saika Ishaque. They’ve got pace, spin, power-hitting, and leadership. Their challenge? Avoiding the curse of the defending champion — complacency. The WPL 2026 season kicks off in early March. And if history holds, Kerr will be the one carrying the team when the pressure’s highest. She’s not just a player. She’s the reason Mumbai Indians dared to spend big.Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Amelia Kerr released before the auction if Mumbai Indians wanted her back?
Mumbai Indians released Kerr to free up financial flexibility and retain five other key players, which eliminated their Right To Match option. But they anticipated her high demand and were prepared to outbid others. Their strategy wasn’t to lose her — it was to reacquire her on their terms, which they successfully did at INR 3 crore.
How does Amelia Kerr’s sale compare to other overseas players in WPL history?
Kerr’s INR 3 crore bid makes her the most expensive overseas player in WPL history, surpassing Meg Lanning’s INR 1.9 crore deal with UP Warriorz in 2024. Only Deepti Sharma, an Indian player, was sold for more — at INR 3.2 crore. This marks a turning point, showing overseas all-rounders can command prices rivaling top Indian stars.
Why did Alyssa Healy go unsold despite her reputation?
Despite being one of the most feared batters in T20 cricket, Healy’s lack of recent international form and fitness concerns deterred teams. With the WPL’s short season, franchises prioritized players with consistent recent performances. Her absence was the biggest surprise of the auction, signaling that past glory no longer guarantees a bid.
What impact will Kerr’s high price have on future WPL auctions?
Kerr’s sale sets a new benchmark for overseas all-rounders. Teams will now aggressively pursue players with proven dual skills in both batting and bowling, especially those with championship pedigree. Expect more bids over INR 2.5 crore for similar profiles, and increased competition for players like Sophie Devine and Hayley Matthews in future auctions.
How did Mumbai Indians manage to afford Kerr after retaining five players?
Mumbai Indians had a remaining purse of Rs. 9.8 crore after retaining their five players. They strategically spent on just a few high-value acquisitions — Kerr and Nicola Carey — and saved the rest for future seasons. Their focus was on quality over quantity, betting that Kerr’s impact would justify the cost, which the market has now confirmed.
Who are the other top buys in WPL 2026 besides Amelia Kerr?
Deepti Sharma (Rs. 3.2 crore, UP Warriorz) was the most expensive overall. Shikha Pandey went to UP Warriorz for Rs. 2.4 crore, while Sophie Devine (Rs. 2 crore, Gujarat Giants) and Shree Charani (Rs. 1.3 crore, Delhi Capitals) were also major acquisitions. The auction saw 17 players retained before the auction, including global stars like Hayley Matthews and Harmanpreet Kaur.