WPL 2027 auction sees big names like Athapaththu and Dunkley unsold

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 mini-auction held in Kochi turned out to be a surprising affair, as several prominent international cricketers and well-known domestic players failed to attract bids. With limited slots available across five franchises, teams had to carefully consider their budgets and specific squad needs, leading to the omission of some established names from the auction.

Among the most notable players left unsold was Sri Lanka's captain, Chamari Athapaththu. The experienced all-rounder entered the auction with a base price of Rs 30 lakh but failed to garner any interest. Athapaththu had previously played for UP Warriorz in the 2024 WPL season, where she managed to score just 28 runs and take four wickets in four matches. This marks another setback for the Sri Lankan star, who also went unsold during the 2026 mega-auction.

England's Sophia Dunkley was another high-profile name that went without a bid. Listed at a base price of Rs 50 lakh, Dunkley was among the players in the highest price bracket but could not find a buyer. Known for her aggressive batting style, she entered the auction as a seasoned international option. However, the fierce competition for overseas slots and the specific needs of franchises likely influenced her unsold status.

Saika Ishaque, who made a significant impact during the Mumbai Indians' title-winning 2023 campaign, also found herself without a contract. The left-arm spinner had claimed 15 wickets in her debut WPL season and even earned an India call-up following her impressive performances. Despite her strong showing, Ishaque went unsold at her base price of Rs 30 lakh, leaving her future in the league uncertain.

India's rising talent faces tough auction reality

Uma Chetry, the only member of India’s victorious 2025 Women’s World Cup squad to miss out on a WPL contract, also went unsold. While the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has yet to establish herself as a power-hitter in the T20 format, she possesses valuable skills behind the stumps and has room for development.

Franchise dynamics shape players' futures in WPL

Additionally, Titas Sadhu, a member of India's victorious 2023 ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup squad, was another familiar name left unsold. The Bengal pacer is known for her ability to generate swing, yet she too could not secure a franchise contract.

The absence of bids for these established players highlights the intense competition for places in the league and raises questions about the factors contributing to their unsold status. Franchise budget constraints, strong competition for spots, and specific squad requirements all played a role in this surprising outcome. As the WPL continues to evolve, the futures of these talented players remain uncertain, leaving fans and analysts alike to ponder what this means for the league's landscape moving forward.