UP Warriorz Secure Australia Captain Sophie Molineux at Women's Premier League Auction

The UP Warriorz signed Australia captain Sophie Molineux for 1.10 crore rupees on Wednesday during the Women's Premier League mini auction in Kochi, after prevailing in a fierce bidding battle with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The auction filled twenty-seven available slots across five franchises from a shortlisted group of 146 players. The UP Warriorz entered the event holding the largest remaining purse at 3.75 crore rupees.

Franchises adopted cautious bidding strategies due to limited funds and largely settled rosters, focusing on filling specific gaps rather than staging broad squad rebuilds.

“We were determined to get Sophie at any cost,” said Kshemal Waingankar, the chief executive officer of the UP Warriorz.

The opening bid for Molineux stood at 50 lakh rupees, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru immediately countered before the price climbed past the one crore rupee mark to reach the final figure.

“Grace brings power to the middle order, Molineux the leadership qualities,” Waingankar said.

The UP Warriorz also added Australian batter Grace Harris for 30 lakh rupees, along with experienced wicketkeeper Sushma Verma and offspinner Sneh Rana for the same price.

“This season, we were betting on experience, which is why we targeted players like Sushma Verma,” said Abhishek Nayar, the head coach of the UP Warriorz.

Other franchises focused on domestic talent and budget acquisitions. Delhi Capitals purchased hard-hitting batter Kiran Navgire for 75 lakh rupees after outbidding Mumbai Indians.

Gujarat Giants acquired Gunalan Kamalini for her base price of 40 lakh rupees, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured Australian left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen at the same base price.

Mumbai Indians populated their squad with several budget purchases, acquiring domestic players such as Disha Kasat and Latika Inamdar for 10 lakh rupees each.

The Times of India reported that Sri Lankan veteran Chamari Athapaththu unexpectedly went unsold during the evening, while The Hindu reported that England opener Sophia Dunkley also drew no bids.

The Hindu reported that Uma Kashvi became the youngest player to join a WPL squad after being sold to Delhi Capitals for 10 lakh rupees at age fifteen.

Franchises will finalize their preparations as teams complete their roster distributions ahead of the upcoming twenty twenty-seven season.