WPL vs IPL auction 2026: Key Differences Explained
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction is scheduled for November 15, 2025, followed by the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction on December 15, 2025. Both tournaments have had a massive impact on Indian cricket, producing talented players who represent the nation at the highest level. The auctions mark the start of the cricketing season with high-profile bidding wars for players. So let’s have a look at WPL vs IPL auction 2026.
Let’s explore the key differences between the WPL and IPL auctions in terms of rules, purse size, foreign player quotas, and retentions.
Key Differences Between WPL and IPL Auctions
As with any franchise cricket league, the auction table is crucial. Teams that strategize better here have a stronger squad and fill gaps from the previous season. Below is a detailed comparison:
| Category | WPL Retention Rules | IPL Retention Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Retentions | 5 players | 6 players |
| Retention Breakdown | Up to 3 capped Indian, 2 uncapped Indian, 2 overseas | Up to 5 capped Indian + overseas, 2 uncapped Indian |
| Retention Slabs | ₹3.5 cr, ₹2.5 cr, ₹1.75 cr, ₹1 cr, ₹50 lakh | ₹18 cr, ₹14 cr, ₹11 cr, ₹8 cr, ₹6 cr |
| Total Deduction for Max Retention | ₹9.25 crore | ₹75 crore |
| Team Purse Size | ₹15 crore | ₹120 crore |
| RTM Cards Available | Depends on number of players retained | Depends on number of players retained |
| RTM Deduction Rule | Lose 1 RTM per retained player | Lose 1 RTM per retained player |
Auction Purse Value
- IPL 2026: The 10-team IPL auction has a total pool of ₹120 crore, with a minimum spend of ₹90 crore to build a squad of 18-25 players.
- WPL 2026: Each of the 5 teams has a purse of ₹15 crore, with squads of 15-18 players.
Foreign Players Quota
The foreign player rules differ in the two leagues:
- IPL: Teams can have 8 foreign players in the squad, with 4 allowed in the playing XI.
- WPL: Teams are allowed 6 foreign players per squad, 4 in the playing XI, and at least 1 player from an associate nation must be included.
Also read: From ₹151 Crore Purses to RTM Twists: What Makes the IPL 2026 Auction So Unpredictable?
FAQs: WPL Auction vs IPL Auction
Q1. What is the difference between IPL and WPL?
Ans: IPL has more teams, larger purses, and higher salaries. WPL is newer with 5 teams and smaller purse values.
Q2. What is the price of WPL player auction?
Ans: WPL team purse is ₹15 crore, with base prices ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
Q3. Who is the most expensive player in WPL history?
Ans: Smriti Mandhana, bought by RCB for ₹3.4 crore in the WPL 2023 mega auction.
Q4. Is IPL 2026 a mega auction or mini auction?
Ans: IPL 2026 will be a mini auction featuring fewer players.
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