The much-awaited Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 retention show has officially been postponed and will now be aired on Star Sports after the fourth T20 International between India and Australia at Carrara Oval in Queensland. The update was confirmed by the broadcaster on its official Instagram handle, bringing an end to widespread speculation among fans and franchises.
WPL retention show postponed
Initially expected to air earlier in the evening, the WPL 2026 retention show will now take place on Thursday night, following the conclusion of the ongoing India–Australia T20I series. Star Sports stated that the broadcast delay was to ensure maximum viewership and allow for “a complete reveal” of player retention lists from all five franchises — Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), UP Warriorz (UPW), and Gujarat Giants (GG).
Fans and players await team announcements
With anticipation running high, fans and players alike have been sharing their excitement — and nerves — on social media.
RCB all-rounder Shreyanka Patil, who has been part of the team since the inaugural WPL season, posted a meme expressing her anxiety as the retention lists are yet to be revealed. Patil, who won the Purple Cap in 2024, missed last season due to injury and is eager to make her mark again.
Delhi Capitals release Meg Lanning
One of the biggest developments ahead of the retentions is the release of Australian star Meg Lanning by the Delhi Capitals. Sources close to India Today confirmed that Lanning, who led DC to three consecutive finals and was among their top run-scorers, will not be retained this season.
The retained players for Delhi Capitals reportedly include Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, and Niki Prasad.
The release marks the end of a successful leadership chapter for Lanning in the WPL, though fans hope she will feature for another team next season.
Tough calls for Mumbai Indians and RCB
For defending champions Mumbai Indians, retention discussions are centred around their powerful all-rounder line-up — Nadine de Klerk, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Hayley Matthews. Young left-hander G Kamalini, the youngest-ever WPL debutant, is expected to be retained alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur.
At Royal Challengers Bengaluru, skipper Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh are almost certain to stay, joined by Ellyse Perry and Shreyanka Patil. The fifth retention spot may see a choice between Kanika Ahuja and Prema Rawat.
UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants eye balance
The UP Warriorz, led by Alyssa Healy, are likely to retain a balanced core of Indian and overseas stars — Kiran Navgire, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and Shweta Sehrawat.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants face key decisions regarding their overseas contingent. Skipper Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Harleen Deol, Deandra Dottin, and Simran Shaikh are likely to remain central to their plans.
New coaching appointments add intrigue
In management updates, Mumbai Indians have appointed Lisa Keightley as head coach, replacing Charlotte Edwards, who has taken over as England’s coach.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have promoted long-time assistant Malolan Rangarajan as head coach and brought in Anya Shrubsole as bowling coach, strengthening their backroom staff ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Retention rules and purse details
As per WPL 2026 regulations, each franchise can retain a maximum of five players, including up to three capped Indians, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indians. Teams retaining all five will have ₹9.25 crore deducted from their ₹15 crore purse, with the following slab applied:
- Player 1: ₹3.5 crore
- Player 2: ₹2.5 crore
- Player 3: ₹1.75 crore
- Player 4: ₹1 crore
- Player 5: ₹50 lakh
Notably, teams retaining five players will not have a Right-to-Match (RTM) card available during the auction.
Fans gear up for the final reveal
With several surprises already surfacing and the official lists expected soon, excitement around the WPL 2026 retentions is at an all-time high. Fans have flooded social media with predictions and wishlists, while franchises gear up for the auction that will shape the league’s next season.
The official retention show’s revised timing ensures that cricket fans can enjoy a double treat — first the India–Australia T20I and then the much-awaited WPL announcements.