WPL 2027 auction: From Chamari Athapaththu to Uma Chetry, five big names left unsold

Chamari and Uma

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 mini-auction in Kochi saw several prominent international cricketers and familiar domestic names fail to attract bids despite their experience and previous performances.With limited slots available across five franchises, teams had to prioritise their remaining budgets and specific squad requirements. The absence of bids for several established players highlighted the intense competition for places in the league.

Chamari Athapaththu — Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu was among the most notable names to go unsold. The experienced all-rounder entered the auction with a base price of Rs 30 lakh but failed to attract a bid.Athapaththu featured for UP Warriorz in the 2024 WPL season, scoring 28 runs and taking four wickets in four matches. She also went unsold at the 2026 mega-auction, making this another setback for the Sri Lankan star.

Sophia Dunkley — England

England batter Sophia Dunkley was another high-profile omission. Listed at a base price of Rs 50 lakh, she was among the players in the highest price bracket but failed to find a buyer.Known for her aggressive top-order batting, Dunkley entered the auction as an experienced international option.

However, competition for overseas slots and franchises' specific squad requirements may have influenced the outcome.

Saika Ishaque — India

Saika Ishaque's omission was particularly notable given her impact in Mumbai Indians' title-winning 2023 campaign. The left-arm spinner claimed 15 wickets in her debut WPL season and earned an India call-up following her performances.Despite that impressive start, Ishaque went unsold at her base price of Rs 30 lakh in Kochi, leaving her without a franchise contract for the upcoming season.

Uma Chetry — India

Uma Chetry is the only member of India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup-winning squad to miss out on a WPL contract. While the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is yet to establish herself as a power-hitter in the T20 format, she has considerable room to develop and offers valuable skills behind the stumps.

Titas Sadhu — India

India pacer Titas Sadhu was another familiar name left unsold. A member of India's victorious 2023 ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup squad, the Bengal seamer is known for her ability to generate swing.