WPL 2027 Auction: Six overseas stars who could trigger a bidding war
FILE PHOTO: Sophie Molineux was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign in 2024 and took three wickets in the final. | Photo Credit: PTI
FILE PHOTO: Sophie Molineux was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign in 2024 and took three wickets in the final. | Photo Credit: PTI
The 2027 Women’s Premier League (WPL) Mini Auction will take place in Kochi on October 28, with 146 players set to go under the hammer.
Of these, 27 are overseas players, including 14 capped and 13 uncapped cricketers. Several names in the auction pool also bring valuable WPL experience, having featured in previous editions of the tournament.
We look at six overseas stars who could spark a bidding war at the Mini Auction ahead of the new WPL season.
Sophie Molineux (Left-arm spinner, all-rounder)
Only two players have set the highest base price of Rs. 50 lakh for this auction: England’s Sophia Dunkley and Australia captain Sophie Molineux.
Molineux arrives with a WPL title to her name, having helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lift the trophy in 2024. She made a decisive contribution in the final, taking three wickets in an over.
Molineux’s WPL record: Matches: 10 | Runs: 78 | Batting average: 13 | Wickets: 12 | Bowling average: 23.16
Molineux’s T20 record: Matches: 192 | Runs: 2,167 | Batting average: 18.68 | Wickets: 183 | Bowling average: 21.89
Grace Harris (Right-arm off-break bowler, all-rounder)
Another Australian with considerable WPL experience, Grace Harris is an explosive batter capable of changing a game with her big-hitting. She can also chip in with valuable wickets through her off-spin.
Harris was part of RCB’s title-winning campaign in the 2026 WPL, making her a familiar and proven option for franchises looking to strengthen their squads.
Harris’s WPL record: Matches: 31 | Runs: 818 | Batting average: 30.29 | Wickets: 15 | Bowling average: 25.93
Harris’s T20 record: Matches: 258 | Runs: 5,123 | Batting average: 24.86 | Wickets: 107 | Bowling average: 22.63
Chamari Athapaththu (Top-order batter, off-break bowler)
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu is an attractive prospect for franchises across T20 leagues. Once she gets going, her aggressive strokeplay can put even the most disciplined bowling attacks under pressure.
Her WPL record, however, remains modest, with only four appearances across previous editions. A franchise could see her as an opportunity to add an experienced international batter with the potential to make a significant impact.
Athapaththu’s WPL record: Matches: 4 | Runs: 28 | Batting average: 7 | Wickets: 3 | Bowling average: 34.33
Athapaththu’s T20 record: Matches: 311 | Runs: 7,134 | Batting average: 25.66 | Wickets: 172 | Bowling average: 22.37
Nonkululeko Mlaba (Left-arm spinner)
South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba has established herself as a consistent white-ball bowler. Although her franchise cricket experience is limited, her left-arm spin could offer teams a valuable option, particularly if they are looking to strengthen their bowling attack.
With 92 wickets in 95 T20 appearances, Mlaba has a strong record in the format and could emerge as an astute pick at the auction.
Mlaba’s T20 record: Matches: 95 | Wickets: 92 | Bowling average: 22.18
Sarah Bryce (Wicketkeeper-batter)
Scotland’s Sarah Bryce enters the auction with previous WPL experience, having played nine matches in the tournament. Her wicketkeeping skills and ability to contribute with the bat could make her a useful squad option.
As a player from an Associate nation, Bryce could also give her franchise greater flexibility under the WPL’s overseas-player rules, which permit teams to field five overseas players in a match when one of them represents an Associate nation.
Bryce’s WPL record: Matches: 9 | Runs: 60 | Batting average: 15
Bryce’s T20 record: Matches: 191 | Runs: 3,336 | Batting average: 26.06
Orla Prendergast (Right-arm fast bowler, all-rounder)
Ireland’s Orla Prendergast offers franchises the same potential advantage of an Associate-nation player, while also bringing an all-round skill set to the table.
She impressed at the T20 World Cup earlier this year, scoring 181 runs and taking six wickets in five matches. Her ability to contribute in both departments could make her an appealing option for teams seeking balance and depth.
Prendergast’s T20 record: Matches: 109 | Runs: 2,307 | Batting average: 27.14 | Wickets: 87 | Bowling average: 21.31
Published on Oct 27, 2026
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