WPL 2027 auction: UP Warriorz sign Sophie Molineux for Rs 1.1 crore

UP Warriorz won the bidding for Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux at the Women’s Premier League 2027 auction in Kochi, paying Rs 1.10 crore and edging out Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who stopped at Rs 1.05 crore.

Molineux was the headline buy of the round-up, but UP Warriorz were busy elsewhere too, adding Sneh Rana, Grace Harris and Sushma Verma. Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals also filled slots.

UP Warriorz rebuild around Molineux

PTI describes Molineux as the Australia captain. ANI notes she was part of the Royal Challengers’ title-winning campaign in 2024, which makes the Rs 1.05 crore counter-bid from her former side notable.

UP Warriorz signed India all-rounder Sneh Rana at her base price of Rs 30 lakh. They also brought back Australian all-rounder Grace Harris for Rs 30 lakh; she played for the franchise in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Sushma Verma, a wicketkeeper-batter, joined for Rs 30 lakh. UP Warriorz had no specialist wicketkeeper last season, so the pick fills a clear gap. Going into the auction they held the largest remaining purse, Rs 3.75 crore, according to Outlook India, with 146 players registered for 27 slots across the five franchises.

Elsewhere in the auction

Mumbai Indians signed Disha Kasat, wicketkeeper-batter Latika Inamdar and spinner Bharti Rawal for Rs 10 lakh each.

Gujarat Giants picked young Indian batter G Kamalini for Rs 40 lakh. Delhi Capitals signed the hard-hitting Kiran Navgire for Rs 75 lakh; Mumbai Indians had also shown interest in her.

Uma Chetry, a member of India’s ODI World Cup-winning squad, went unsold at her base price of Rs 30 lakh. Titas Sadhu and Saika Ishaque were unsold in the first round, as was England’s Sophia Dunkley, according to Deccan Herald.