RCB and UP Warriorz release overseas players ahead of WPL 2027 auction
RCB and UP Warriorz led a round of overseas releases as five WPL franchises finalised retained lists ahead of the October 28 auction.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru released Grace Harris, D Hemalatha, Gautami Naik and Linsey Smith on Monday. Ellyse Perry confirmed she will return for the 2027 season after missing last year’s campaign.
UP Warriorz cut nine players, including Deandra Dottin and Chloe Tryon. They head to the Kochi auction with seven vacancies and the largest purse at Rs 3.65 crore. Delhi Capitals let Alana King and five others go, while Gujarat Giants moved on from Danielle Wyatt-Hodge.
Mumbai Indians released G Kamalini, Saika Ishaque and four more players but retained Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr and Natalie Sciver-Brunt. Twenty-seven slots, seven of them overseas, remain open across the five teams.
CricHubb Take
The overseas releases create a clearer market for Indian all-rounders and spinners who were previously blocked by full squads. Teams that retained flexibility now hold the advantage in shaping their 2027 balance rather than being forced into panic bidding.