UP Warriorz bolster squad with Sophie Molineux and Grace Harris at WPL 2027 auction

UP Warriorz emerged as a key buyer at the Women's Premier League 2027 player auction, acquiring Australian captain Sophie Molineux for INR 1.10 crore. The franchise also re-signed all-rounder Grace Harris at her base price of INR 30 lakh after her title-winning season with RCB in 2026. In addition, Warriorz brought back Asha Shobna for INR 30 lakh, a steep reduction from the INR 1.10 crore she commanded at the previous auction.

Molineux had attracted interest from her former side Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but the defending champions withdrew their bid at INR 1.05 crore, having entered the auction with a purse of INR 1.15 crore. Warriorz further added India all-rounder Sneh Rana and wicket-keeper Sushma Verma, each for INR 30 lakh at their base prices, and signed domestic players Manali Dakshini and Sahana Pawar.

Other notable moves included Delhi Capitals securing Indian power-hitter Kiran Navgire after Mumbai Indians stepped back at INR 70 lakh, and Gujarat Giants picking wicket-keeper-batter G Kamalini and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast at their base prices of INR 40 lakh and INR 30 lakh respectively, making Prendergast the first Irish player in the league.

Mumbai Indians, operating with the smallest auction purse of INR 90 lakh, made three base-price acquisitions—left-arm spinner Bharti Rawal, middle-order batter Disha Kasat, and wicket-keeper Latika Inamdar—each for INR 10 lakh, and added uncapped batter Saanika Chalke in the accelerated rounds. RCB signed Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen at INR 40 lakh and completed its overseas contingent with South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon.

The Bengaluru franchise returned to the auction to sign Indian players Vrinda Dinesh and Tejal Hasabnis in the second accelerated round, while Delhi Capitals added teenage all-rounder Uma Kasvi for INR 10 lakh. Associate-nation players also featured, with Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce joining Warriorz for INR 10 lakh and fellow Scot Kirstie Gordon signing with Delhi Capitals at the same price.