The Women's Premier League 2026 will see notable absences due to personal reasons and unsold auctions, while young talents are set to shine. Players like Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy won't participate, as the tournament kicks off in Navi Mumbai.
The upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 edition, set to begin on January 9 in Navi Mumbai, will feature significant changes in its player lineup. Defending champions Mumbai Indians, who also won in 2023, enter as favorites, but the tournament will miss several prominent figures.
Ellyse Perry has opted out for personal reasons, joining Annabel Sutherland in this decision. Alyssa Healy surprisingly went unsold in the November auction, as did Issy Wong, known for her historic hat-trick as the first bowler to achieve it in WPL. Alice Capsey, who contributed to Delhi Capitals' three final appearances, also returned empty-handed from the auction.
On a brighter note, young players are expected to make an impact. Sixteen-year-old Deeya Yadav and 19-year-old Australian fast bowler Lucy Hamilton will represent Delhi Capitals. Gongadi Trisha, 19, could be a game-changer for UP Warriorz. G Kamalini, 17, returns for Mumbai Indians after her debut season; she is the youngest debutant in WPL history and has played one T20I for India against Sri Lanka. Haryana's Triveni Vasistha completes the list of teenagers to watch for Mumbai Indians.
These developments highlight the evolving landscape of women's cricket in India, blending experience gaps with emerging talent.