The UP Warriorz have taken the biggest and boldest step ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction by releasing almost their entire squad. With only one player retained, the franchise has chosen a complete reset as they enter a new cycle of the Women’s Premier League.
The team finished last in the 2025 season, and the management has now opted for a fresh start, signaling a major rebuild under new head coach Abhishek Nayar.
The WPL 2026 Mega Auction will be held on November 27 in New Delhi, where UP Warriorz will arrive with the largest purse among all five teams and the highest number of RTM cards.
UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Retained Players
UP Warriorz have retained only one player, uncapped Indian batter Shweta Sehrawat, who has been part of the franchise since the inaugural season.
Retained Player List (UPW WPL 2026)
| Sr. No. | Player Name | Type | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shweta Sehrawat | Uncapped | 50 lakh |
Retention Summary:
- Total Players Retained: 1
- RTM Cards Remaining: 4
- Purse Left: ₹14.5 crore
This massive purse gives UPW a huge strategic advantage at the auction table.
Read Also:- ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: All‑Female Umpires List
UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Released Players
The franchise has released all major Indian and overseas players, including match-winners and global stars. This includes Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Tournament in both WPL 2024 and the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
Full Released Players List – UP Warriorz WPL 2026
| Indian Players Released | Overseas Players Released |
|---|---|
| Deepti Sharma | Alyssa Healy |
| Anjali Sarvani | Sophie Ecclestone |
| Arushi Goel | Grace Harris |
| Kiran Navgire | Chamari Athapaththu |
| Rajeshwari Gayakwad | Chinelle Henry |
| Saima Thakor | Tahlia McGrath |
| Uma Chetry | Georgia Voll |
| Arundhati Reddy | Alana King |
| Kranti Goud | |
| Poonam Khemnar | |
| Vrinda Dinesh | |
| Gouher Sultana |
This is one of the biggest release lists in WPL history, confirming that UPW is rebuilding from scratch.
Why Did UP Warriorz Release Their Big Players?
Based on the given data, three major factors explain the decision:
1. Fresh Start After Consecutive Poor Seasons
- Reached playoffs in 2023
- Finished second-last in 2024
- Finished last in 2025
The franchise needed a structural reset.
2. New Coach, New Direction
Head coach Abhishek Nayar signaled a new phase for the team and an auction-based rebuilding strategy.
3. Auction Flexibility
- Purse left: ₹14.5 crore (highest among all teams)
- 4 RTM cards (2 for Indian players, 2 for overseas)
They can buy back former stars like Deepti Sharma or Alyssa Healy if needed.
UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Auction Strategy
UP Warriorz enter the December 27 mega auction with the:
Largest purse
Most RTM cards
Maximum squad slots available
Opportunity to create an entirely new combination
Their goals for the auction:
- Build a new captaincy option
- Strengthen the Indian core
- Bring in world-class overseas finishers and bowlers
- Possibly re-sign key former players using RTM
This mega auction will define the Warriorz’ future for the entire WPL cycle ahead.
See Also:- Queen of Cricket: Mithali Raj Records & Smriti Mandhana Rise
UPW WPL 2026 Retention Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Retained Players | 1 |
| Player Retained | Shweta Sehrawat |
| Purse Available | ₹14.5 crore |
| RTMs Available | 4 |
| Released Players | Entire squad except 1 |
| Auction Date | November 27, New Delhi |
Conclusion
The UP Warriorz have made the most dramatic move of WPL 2026, retaining only one player and releasing both domestic and overseas stars. With a huge purse and maximum RTMs in hand, the franchise is preparing for a total rebuild during the mega auction.
The upcoming WPL 2026 season will reveal whether this bold approach becomes a masterstroke or a massive gamble.
