The Women's Premier League 2025 auction is set to ignite the cricket world this Sunday, December 15, 2024, in Bengaluru, where 120 players — including teenage prodigies and international stars — will fight for contracts in the most high-stakes women’s cricket auction yet. Starting at precisely 3:00 PM IST, the event promises drama, surprise bids, and the kind of momentum that could reshape the future of women’s cricket in India and beyond. With Jio Cinema streaming exclusively online and Star Sports and Sports18 broadcasting live on TV, fans won’t miss a single hammer strike.
Who’s Playing, and Why It Matters
Of the 120 players up for grabs, 91 are Indian — 82 of them uncapped, meaning this auction isn’t just about star power. It’s a launchpad. For the first time, a 13-year-old from Delhi, Anshu Nagar, and 14-year-old Ira Jadhav from Haryana are on the list, signaling a bold shift toward nurturing youth. Meanwhile, the oldest participants — England captain Heather Knight and Australia’s Laura Harris — bring 15 and 10 years of international experience respectively. Knight, who’s bidding at the top slab of ₹50 lakh, isn’t just a player; she’s a symbol of the global reach the WPL now commands.
Overseas talent is equally stacked. West Indies’ explosive all-rounder Deandra Dottin, South Africa’s prolific opener Lizelle Lee, and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine (though she’s reportedly linked to a 2026 auction, per Indian Express) are all in the mix. Three players from Associate Nations — including a promising batter from Nepal and two from the UAE — are also listed, a quiet but powerful statement: this isn’t just an Indian league anymore. It’s becoming the world’s most competitive platform for women cricketers outside the Test-playing nations.
The Auction Mechanics: Slabs, Slots, and Strategy
There are only 19 slots available across the five franchises: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz. Five of those are reserved for overseas players — meaning each team must pick carefully. No franchise can exceed 18 players total, and the minimum squad size is 15.
The bidding structure is tight: four fixed price slabs — ₹10 lakh, ₹20 lakh, ₹30 lakh, and ₹50 lakh. No player can have a base price higher than ₹50 lakh. That’s deliberate. It prevents a repeat of the 2023 auction, where a few big names swallowed half the budget. This time, teams like RCB — fresh off their 2024 title win — will need to balance veteran leadership with raw potential. Sneh Rana and Poonam Yadav, both capped Indians, have set their base at ₹30 lakh. They’re not the flashiest names, but they’re proven match-winners. And in a league where depth wins championships, that’s gold.
Where to Watch — And What You Might Miss
If you’re in India, your options are clear: Jio Cinema for live streaming on mobile or desktop, and Star Sports or Sports18 on TV. No other platform has rights. Not Hotstar. Not Willow TV. Not YouTube. Jio Cinema’s app has been optimized for low-bandwidth users — a smart move, given how many fans in Tier 2 and 3 cities will tune in on older smartphones.
And here’s the twist: while the auction ends at 6:00 PM IST, the real action begins after. Teams will scramble to finalize contracts, medicals, and training schedules. By Monday morning, you’ll see headlines about surprise picks — maybe a 16-year-old leg-spinner from Odisha, or a forgotten all-rounder from Sri Lanka who’s suddenly the talk of the dressing room. The WPL isn’t just about who gets picked. It’s about who gets a second chance.
Legacy and the Road Ahead
Remember: Mumbai Indians won the first WPL in 2023. Royal Challengers Bengaluru took it last year. Delhi Capitals finished runners-up both times — and they’re hungry. This auction could be their turning point. Meanwhile, the rumors about a 2026 auction in New Delhi — with a different slot structure and different marquee names — feel like noise. For now, December 15 is the only date that matters.
What’s clear? The WPL is no longer a novelty. It’s a pipeline. For girls in small towns who’ve never seen a women’s match live, this auction is proof that their dreams aren’t too big. For the 13-year-olds on the list? They’re not just participants. They’re the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian players are uncapped in the WPL 2025 auction, and why does that matter?
Of the 91 Indian players in the WPL 2025 auction, 82 are uncapped — meaning they’ve never played international cricket. This is critical because it gives franchises a chance to invest in raw talent before the BCCI or other national teams lock them in. Teams like UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants may use these picks to build long-term depth, rather than just chasing stars.
Can overseas players be picked for more than ₹50 lakh in this auction?
No. The WPL 2025 auction has a hard cap of ₹50 lakh for any player’s base price — whether Indian or overseas. Even stars like Heather Knight and Deandra Dottin are in this top bracket, but no bidding can exceed it. This rule was introduced to prevent budget imbalances and ensure competitive parity across all five teams.
Why is Jio Cinema the only streaming platform for the auction?
Jio Cinema holds exclusive digital rights to the WPL under a multi-year deal with the BCCI. Unlike IPL, where multiple platforms compete, the WPL’s digital rights are centralized to simplify distribution and boost Jio’s subscriber growth. This also ensures consistent, high-quality streaming even in rural areas with limited bandwidth.
Are there any players from Associate Nations in the auction, and who are they?
Yes, three players from Associate Nations are listed — including a batter from Nepal and two all-rounders from the UAE. Their inclusion reflects the WPL’s ambition to become a global talent hub, not just an Indian league. These players bring unique skills — like aggressive spin or power-hitting — that aren’t always found in traditional cricketing nations.
What’s the significance of the 13-year-old players in the auction?
Anshu Nagar and Ira Jadhav are the youngest players ever listed in a major T20 franchise auction. Their inclusion signals a new era — one where talent is scouted earlier than ever. While they’re unlikely to be picked immediately, their presence pressures teams to think long-term. It also inspires millions of young girls across India who now see a path from local nets to professional contracts.
How does the WPL 2025 auction differ from the 2024 season’s auction?
The 2025 auction features far more uncapped Indian players (82 vs. 61 in 2024) and introduces three players from Associate Nations — a first. The slot count is also tighter: only 19 slots total, down from 22 in 2024, making bidding more intense. Teams can no longer afford to overpay for names — they must now prioritize potential, versatility, and team chemistry.