WPL Mega Auction: Player retention, RTM rules, wallet details and everything you need to know

Women’s Premier League (WPL) Set for its historic mega-auction, it will introduce major changes to team building and player management strategies for the upcoming season. With maximum player retention, he debuted Right to Match (RTM) option, and a structured auction purse, the competitive landscape of the tournament is set for an exciting transformation.

Key Retention Policies and Schedule for the WPL Mega Auction

Franchises will be allowed to retain up to five players before the auction, prompting teams to make tactical decisions on squad composition and long-term planning. The holding deadline is November 5, and the auction is scheduled for November 25-29. Teams can retain a maximum of three Indian players, two overseas stars and two uncapped Indian talents. It is worth noting that if the franchise retains the full stake for five players, at least one of them must be an unspecified Indian. Ensuring pathways for up-and-coming local cricketers to shine in a league full of international experience. A tiered retention system means that the balance between established, established artists and emerging prospects will determine the core of each team.

In financial terms, the auction purse for each franchise is Rs 15 lakh, with a five-tier retention system that imposes proportionate discounts: Rs 3.5 lakh for Player 1, Rs 2.5 lakh for Player 2, Rs 1.75 lakh for Player 3, Rs 1 lakh for Player 4 and Rs 50 lakh for Player 5. Retaining all five players means a discount. 9.25 lakh crore worth of portfolio, with similar discounts for less retention. There is room for negotiation between teams and players on these numbers, but uncapped Indians should have a minimum retention value of INR 50 lakh. Critical pre-auction milestones include submission of the retention list (November 5), auction entry list (November 7), finalization of player registration (November 18), and publication of the final auction list (November 20).

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Introduction to RTM rules and competitive balance

For the first time, franchises will be able to deploy a Right-to-Match option in the WPL, mirroring the successful IPL mechanism. This allows teams to buy back a player from their 2025 team by matching the highest auction bid. The number of RTMs available is directly related to the number of players retained: franchises that retain all five players lose any RTM card, while those who retain fewer players unlock more RTMs – four RTMs for one retained player, down to one RTM for four retained. This structure encourages dynamic team building, allowing teams to either stabilize their core through retentions or leave openings open for strategic RTM use.

The WPL’s revamped auction and retention rules reflect a forward-thinking approach to nurturing a vibrant mix of star power and grassroots talent, while maintaining league parity and high audience appeal. With teams set for dramatic revamps, fans and franchise owners alike anticipate a season in which team strategies, retention maneuvers and RTM tactics can spark new rivalries and highlight the next generation of cricket stars.

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This article was first published in WomenCricket.comA Cricket times a company.