This Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 The mega auction promises to be the most intense yet driven by a massive talent pool released on the market. But few names carry the same financial weight and strategic value Sophie Ecclestone. The world famous Slow Left Arm Orthodox spinner was a big surprise omission from the catch list released by UP Warriorz.
Ecclestone has been instrumental in the Warriors’ campaigns, including being the joint-highest Wicket-Taker in the inaugural season with 16 wickets in WPLEL-Take. His overall WPL stats are formidable with 36 wickets hovering around 6.68 and an economy rate of 36 wickets at around 6.68 in T20 Cricket. The unpredictability of the (RTM) card system combined with the implementation of the (RTM) card system sets the stage for high stakes. Based on squad gaps and available funds, three franchises stand out as the main contenders for the English star.
3 teams that could target Sophie Ecclestone in the WPL 2026 auction
1. UP Warriors
The Up Warriors management made a bold, arguably risky move by retaining just one player, the uncapped Indian opener Shweta Sehrawat. This decision ensures entry into the Mega auction with the largest wallet and full quota of four right-of-way (RTM) cards. With the intention clearly to rebuild the entire side from scratch, the loss of the most effective and consistent Wicket-Taker is glaring.
Warriors, built around stability and control exkestone, middle overs His presence freed other bowlers and allowed the team to dictate conditions. Now retaining just one player, the franchise has a massive void to fill in the bowling line-up. Re-acquiring exkeston using one of the four RTM cards in the main auction or one of its fringe competitors isn’t just an option – it’s a strategic necessity. Doing so allows them to provide a known match-winner to build a new core around while still being familiar with the team environment.
2. Mumbai Indians
The Mumbai Indians (MI) management has shown faith in its proven championship core, including retaining five marquee players Natalie Sciver-Bruntcaptain HarmanPreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaurand Grandma. This strong retained contingent features an explosive batting unit and two class-class pace-bowlers, all-round pace bowling in aspiring and matthews.
However, an analysis of their contained attack reveals an obvious requirement: a specialist, world-class spinner. While offering off-spin options in Matthews and HarmanPreet, the team lacks a slow left-arm orthodox bowler in the frontline to complement their attack on Indian pitches. Eccleston’s economical knock and ability to pick wickets at critical junctures would be the perfect foil for PACE and his power-hitting style. His inclusion would transform the bowling unit from a good attack to arguably the best in the league and a threat. As Mi uses all the capture slots, they don’t hold any RTM cards and will have to fight intensively with the remaining wallet to secure their services.
Read: WPL 2026: 5 players up for grabs in UP Warriorz Women’s Premier League Mega auction
3. Capitals of Delhi
Delhi Capitals (DC) also retained their full quota of five players Rudrogen and Do not give shafalialong with his world-class pace-bowling Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kappand and lack of exhaustion Niki Prasad.
DC has strategically invested heavily in pace-bowling, all-rounders that create a formidable seam attack. But much like Mumbai, this composition leaves a significant gap in the specialist spin department. With experience giving KAPP and SUTHERLAND power and death, the Capitals need a world-class spinner to work during the suffocating middle overs. ECClestone’s control, consistency and big match temperament make him the ideal candidate to round out the DC squad and provide the variety needed to secure this elusive WPL title.
Read: WPL 2026: Teams to target Kim Garth in Women’s Premier League Mega Auction
This article was originally published WomenCricket.coma Cricket era Company.
