New Delhi, November 27, 2025 – The Mumbai Indians (MI) made a bold statement at the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction today, securing the return of New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr for a substantial sum of ₹3 crore. This acquisition represents a significant investment, consuming more than half of their total auction budget of ₹5.75 crore. The WPL 2026 auction marks the league’s first-ever mega auction, providing franchises with a crucial opportunity to rebuild their squads.
Kerr, a star New Zealand leg spinner, was successful in the previous season of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in 2025. Expectedly, she triggered a bidding war between MI and UP Warriorz (UP-W). Mumbai ultimately outbid UP to acquire Kerr. In the WPL history, she has scored 437 runs in 24 innings at a strike rate of 120 and picked up 40 wickets at an average of 18. Last year, Kerr collected 18 wickets in 10 innings at an average of 15.94 and an economy rate of 7.75.
The auction, held in New Delhi, saw a total of 277 players, including 194 Indian and 83 overseas cricketers, vying for 73 available slots across the five franchises. With teams rebuilding after the World Cup, this year's event is a mega auction. Franchises aim to fill gaps left by released players while adding a stronger bench, all within set budget limits.
Mumbai Indians' decision to invest heavily in Kerr underscores her value to the team's strategy for the upcoming season. Her all-round capabilities as a leg-spinner and batter make her a key asset. She has smashed 1453 runs in 70 innings of the Women's T20Is at an average of 27.94 and a strike rare of 109.74 with the help of five half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 70 runs. With the ball in hand, Kerr has been excellent with 95 wickets in 86 innings at an average of around 20 and a strike rate of 20.0 and an economy rate of just a tad over six with two four-wicket hauls, thanks to the best bowling figure of 4/20 in an innings.
The WPL 2026 auction has also seen other significant acquisitions. India's Deepti Sharma was the highest buy, sold to UP Warriorz for ₹3.2 crore. Sophie Devine went to Gujarat Giants for ₹2 crore. UP Warriorz also acquired Meg Lanning for ₹1.9 crore and Phoebe Litchfield for ₹1.2 crore. Delhi Capitals secured Laura Wolvaardt for ₹1.1 crore.
The Mumbai Indians retained five players ahead of the auction, and Kerr will join them as they aim to defend their title in the next WPL season. With Kerr and Hayley Matthews in the squad, the franchise has solidified its spin department. Other players like Shabnim Ismail went back to Mumbai Indians for Rs 60 lakh.
The WPL 2026 auction continues, with teams strategically building their squads for the upcoming season.
