UP Warriorz will enter the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction in Kochi on October 28 with 11 retained players and seven places to fill, including two overseas positions. Head coach Abhishek Nayar has made it clear that the team will focus on players who fit its existing squad rather than spend heavily on big names.

The auction comes ahead of the fifth edition of the WPL, which has grown into a major platform for women’s cricket in India. With the five franchises preparing for another season, the choices made at the auction could shape their chances of competing for the title.

UP Warriorz have retained a group led by former Australia captain Meg Lanning, India all-rounder Deepti Sharma, England spinner Sophie Ecclestone and Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield. The team also has experienced Indian players such as Harleen Deol and Shikha Pandey, along with younger names including Pratika Rawal, Kranti Gaud, Shipra Giri and Simran Shaikh.

The retained list gives the franchise a mix of international experience and Indian players who can take on different roles. With seven places still available, the team must decide how to use its remaining budget and which positions need more depth.

Nayar, who took charge ahead of the 2026 season, said the existing group gives the team a firm base for the auction.

“We have a strong group in place, and the players understand our environment and what we want to achieve. At the auction, we are not looking at it as a chance to simply add names. We want players who complement what we already have, who give us options with both bat and ball, and who can handle different roles depending on the match situation. Balance and flexibility will be very important for us,” said Abhishek Nayar, Head Coach, UP Warriorz.

His comments point to the need for players who can cover more than one role during a tournament. In T20 cricket, teams often face changing match conditions, injuries and shifts in batting or bowling plans. A player who can contribute in several areas can give the captain more choices during a match.

The Warriors also plan to continue backing Indian players who are looking for opportunities at the highest level.

“We have also been clear about our belief in Indian talent. There are players in the auction pool who are hungry to improve and are ready for the demands of this level. If we can identify the right ones and give them the right platform, that is good for the team and for their development as well,” he added.

The WPL has played a growing role in giving Indian women cricketers access to professional teams, international players and high-level competition. The tournament brings together players from India and overseas, allowing young cricketers to compete alongside some of the best names in the game.

For UP Warriorz, the challenge will be to find players who can meet the demands of the league while fitting the team’s existing plans.

Kshemal Waingankar, COO and Director of Cricket at Capri Sports, said the franchise would follow the same approach it used during the retention process.

“We went into the retentions with a clear idea of the kind of team we want to build, and the auction is a continuation of that. We have a core that gives us quality and experience, and now it is about adding the right pieces around it. We will be disciplined and stay true to our plan rather than being drawn into decisions that do not fit the squad. We aim to build a team that can perform consistently, and to keep creating an environment where Indian talent can grow and make its mark at the highest level,” said Kshemal Waingankar, COO & Director of Cricket, Capri Sports.

The Warriors will have to weigh their spending against the number of players they need. Seven available places, including two overseas spots, leave the team with room to add both Indian and international talent. The final choices will depend on the players available at the auction and the roles the franchise wants to fill.

The WPL 2027 auction will see all five franchises take part in the selection process. The league’s retention period ended on September 28, with 63 players, including 23 overseas cricketers, retained across the teams. A total of 27 places remained open ahead of the auction.

UP Warriorz will now look to complete their squad around the players they have kept. The team has a strong group of established cricketers, but its final make-up will depend on the players selected in Kochi.

The auction will offer the franchise a chance to add depth to its batting and bowling options while giving younger Indian players a chance to join the league. The choices made on October 28 will help decide how the Warriorz prepare for the next WPL season.

UP Warriorz retained squad for WPL 2027:

Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Shipra Giri, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud, Simran Shaikh and Tara Norris.

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