Australia captain Sophie Molineux became the most expensive player at the Women's Premier League 2027 auction, with UP Warriorz securing her for ₹1.10 crore at the sale in Kochi. Molineux entered the auction with a base price of ₹50 lakh, and the final price was more than double that figure after intense bidding.

Why Warriorz wanted her

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Molineux's former side, stayed in the bidding until ₹1.05 crore before dropping out. RCB had only ₹1.15 crore left in their purse, so the chase took them to more than 91 per cent of their remaining budget. UP Warriorz director of cricket Kshemal Waingankar said the franchise was determined to land Molineux at any cost, praising her leadership, bowling and all-round contribution to a team.

The rest of the auction picture

Molineux led Australia to a seventh T20 World Cup title in July and is their highest wicket-taker this year. Warriorz believe pairing her with fellow spinner Sophie Ecclestone could be a formidable force, while the return of Grace Harris, signed for ₹30 lakh, gives them middle-order power and flexibility. The franchise finished with an 18-player squad, six overseas players and ₹1.15 crore remaining. Kiran Navgire was the second-most expensive player in the lists published after the auction, joining Delhi Capitals for ₹75 lakh from a base price of ₹40 lakh. Gunalan Kamalini joined Gujarat Giants for ₹40 lakh, and Jess Jonassen returned to RCB for ₹40 lakh. UP Warriorz also added Sneh Rana, Asha Sobhana and Sushma Verma for ₹30 lakh each. For Warriorz, who arrived with the largest purse and the most gaps to fill, the headline signing sets the tone for a season in which they will expect a title challenge rather than another rebuild.

Sources: Female Cricket, CricTracker.