WPL 2025 auction: Top five most expensive buys

The auction for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, which occurs prior to the tournament's third edition, was held on December 15, 2024, in Bengaluru. 

A total of 19 positions were available for selection, and the five franchises made astute and strategic additions to their teams. Indian players capitalized on the auction, securing the largest share of the total funds expended during the event.

Four franchises—Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Gujarat Giants (GG)—each secured four players, whereas UP Warriorz (UPW) had the least number of acquisitions, totaling three players.

In light of this, let’s examine the five most expensive acquisitions from the WPL 2025 auction.

5. N. Shree Charani (DC) – INR 55 lakhs

DC's most expensive buy of the day was the uncapped bowler N. Shree Charani. The two-time runners-up secured the 20-year-old left-arm spinner for a sum of INR 55 lakhs.

Charani was one of the four players signed by the franchise along with Nandini Kashyap, Sarah Bryce, and Niki Prasad. The Delhi team aims to secure their first WPL trophy in the upcoming WPL 2025.

4. Prema Rawat (RCB) – INR 1.20 crores

Prema Rawat gained significant attention following her outstanding performances in the domestic T20 league of Uttarakhand. Recognized as one of India's promising spin all-rounders, she was acquired by RCB for INR 1.20 crores during the WPL 2025 auction.

Rawat emerged as the top wicket-taker in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2023, securing 16 wickets across 10 matches with an impressive economy rate of only 5.55.

3. G. Kamalini (MI) – INR 1.60 crores

The most unexpected selection during the auction was made by the Mumbai Indians, who signed 16-year-old G. Kamalini for an impressive sum of INR 1.60 crores. Kamalini's name ignited a competitive bidding process between MI and DC, culminating in MI successfully acquiring the services of the skilled young wicket-keeper batter from Tamil Nadu.

Kamalini delivered an outstanding performance in the Under-19 domestic tournament held in October, scoring a total of 311 runs across eight matches while representing Tamil Nadu. Following this achievement, she earned a position in India’s squad for the Under-19 Asia Cup.

2. Deandra Dottin (GG) – INR 1.70 crores

West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin secured the second-largest pay cheque at the WPL 2025 auction. The Gujarat Giants roped her for a sum of INR 1.70 crores. Dottin is one of the most experienced players in the world.

The 33-year-old all-rounder has played over 133 WT20Is, scoring 2,869 runs at an average of 26.32. She has also taken 68 wickets in this format, showcasing an exceptional economy rate of merely 6.44.

1. Simran Shaikh (GG) – INR 1.90 crores

Mumbai all-rounder Simran Shaikh emerged as the highest-priced acquisition at the WPL 2025 auction, finalizing a contract valued at INR 1.90 crores with the Gujarat Giants. She was previously bought at her base price of INR 10 lakhs by UP Warriorz in the first WPL auction but was subsequently released in the following season due to her unsatisfactory performance.

Simran will aim to validate her substantial price in the WPL 2025 by delivering exceptional performances for the Gujarat franchise. She scored 176 runs in nine innings at the 2024 senior women’s T20 trophy at a strike rate of 100.

Cover Credits - WPL Official