UP Warriorz Secure Sophie Molineux for Rs 1.10 Crore at WPL Mini Auction
KOCHI — UP Warriorz acquired Australia captain Sophie Molineux for Rs 1.10 crore following a bidding contest with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Women's Premier League (WPL) mini auction in Kochi on Wednesday. Entering the auction with the largest purse of Rs 3.75 crore, UP Warriorz opened the bidding for Molineux at Rs 50 lakh.
RCB, for whom Molineux played during their 2024 title-winning campaign, countered the initial offer. Bidding progressed past Rs 95 lakh, with UP moving to Rs 1 crore and RCB raising to Rs 1.05 crore. UP Warriorz eventually secured the all-rounder with a final bid of Rs 1.10 crore.
"We were determined to get Sophie at any cost," UP Warriorz CEO Kshemal Waingankar told reporters. "It puts us in a good position with Sophie and Grace (Harris) combined to tweak our combinations and decide what works best for us."
Key Signings and Squad Strategy
In addition to Molineux, UP Warriorz signed Australian batter Grace Harris for Rs 30 lakh. Harris returns to the franchise after playing for RCB during their 2026 title season before being released. UP Warriorz also acquired experienced Himachal wicketkeeper Sushma Verma and off-spinner Sneh Rana for Rs 30 lakh each. Furthermore, the franchise re-acquired Kerala leg-spinner Asha Shobana for Rs 30 lakh after previously releasing her from a Rs 1.2 crore contract, and added Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce for Rs 10 lakh.
UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar explained that the franchise focused on experience following previous strategic missteps. "We carried out some experiments last season that didn't work. This season, we were betting on experience, which is why we targeted players like Sushma Verma," Nayar said.
Bidding Activity Across Franchises
With other teams operating on restricted budgets, bidding remained cautious throughout the event. Delhi Capitals acquired former UP player Kiran Navgire for Rs 75 lakh after outbidding Mumbai Indians (MI), who exited the contest with Rs 90 lakh left in their purse. Gujarat Giants secured young India batter Gunalan Kamalini at her base price of Rs 40 lakh, while RCB signed Australian left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen for a base price of Rs 40 lakh.
MI added domestic players Disha Kasat and Latika Imandar from Vidarbha for Rs 10 lakh each, alongside Sanika Chalke for Rs 10 lakh. Gujarat Giants picked up 16-year-old Samaira Raghav for Rs 10 lakh and Ireland's Orla Prendergast for Rs 30 lakh, making Prendergast the first Irish cricketer selected in the WPL. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan veteran Chamari Athapaththu went unsold during the auction.
