The next season of the WPL is set to be a blockbuster in 2026, and the BCCI has revealed the rules for the mega auction.
The five franchises are set to make major changes to their squads. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, each team can retain a maximum of five players, and the last date for retention is November 5th.
The mega auction will be held from November 25th to 29th, so teams will have to scramble for new players.
Retention Rules: How many players can teams retain?
In an email sent to franchises, the WPL has clearly outlined the rules. Each team can retain a maximum of three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players.
However, if five players are to be retained, at least one uncapped Indian player must be present.
For the first time, the RTM option will be available, allowing teams to recall players from their previous 2025 squad by matching them in the auction.
These rules are similar to the IPL, but this is a new twist in the WPL.
Purse and Slabs: How much will the budget be deducted for retention?
Each franchise has an auction purse of ₹15 crore. The slabs for retained players are fixed: Player 1 for ₹3.5 crore, Player 2 for ₹2.5 crore, Player 3 for ₹1.75 crore, Player 4 for ₹1 crore, and Player 5 for ₹50 lakh. If a team retains five players, ₹9.25 crore will be deducted from the purse.
If four players are retained, ₹8.75 crore will be deducted, three for ₹7.75 crore, two for ₹6 crore, and one for ₹3.5 crore.
The minimum amount for uncapped players is 50 lakh rupees, but paying more will result in an additional amount being deducted from the purse.
The RTM strategy is also linked to retention. Five retained players earn zero RTMs, four earn one, three earn two, two earn three, and just one retainer earns four RTMs.
The BCCI has also set a timeline: the retention list must be submitted by November 5th, the list of auction players must be completed by November 7th, player registration must be completed by November 18th, and the final list will be released on November 20th. This will allow teams to plan more effectively.
