UP Warriorz outbid RCB to sign Sophie Molineux for Rs 1.10 crore at WPL mini auction in Kochi

KOCHI: UP Warriorz used their Rs 3.75 crore purse to secure Australia captain Sophie Molineux for Rs 1.10 crore at the WPL mini auction in Kochi on Wednesday, outbidding Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a heated contest.

The bidding for Molineux began at Rs 50 lakh, climbed to Rs 95 lakh after an RCB counter, rose to Rs 1 crore from UP, then to Rs 1.05 crore from RCB before UP pushed the final price to Rs 1.10 crore. Allrounder Molineux, described in the auction report as the X-factor who provides a wealth of experience for UP and a perfect foil to captain Meg Lanning, was part of RCB’s 2024 title-winning side. “We were determined to get Sophie at any cost,” UP Warriorz’ CEO Kshemal Waingankar told reporters.

UP also bolstered their batting by signing Australian Grace Harris for Rs 30 lakh; the auction report noted she returns to the franchise she represented in 2025 and that she had a prolific run in RCB’s 2026 title season before being released upon Ellyse Perry’s return. The report said Harris is likely to open with Lanning or Pratika Rawal, and that Harleen Deol’s presence gives UP flexibility. “Grace brings power to the middle order, Molineux the leadership qualities,” Waignakar added.

The Warriorz further strengthened their squad’s balance by acquiring experienced Himachal wicketkeeper Sushma Verma and placing a Rs 30 lakh bid for offspinner Sneh Rana. The report highlighted Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma already in UP’s squad, saying their spin attack looks robust. UP head coach Abhishek Nayar framed their strategy in selection terms: “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.”

Other franchises made selective moves: Gujarat Giants’ first bid secured Gunalan Kamalini for Rs 40 lakh, while RCB signed Australian left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen at a base price of Rs 40 lakh. Delhi Capitals purchased Kiran Navgire for Rs 75 lakh after Mumbai Indians pursued her at a base price of Rs 40 lakh and then dropped out when MI, with only Rs 90 lakh left in their purse, could not match the price. Sri Lankan veteran Chamari Athapaththu went unsold.

Mumbai Indians invested in domestic talent by signing Vidarbha players Disha Kasat and Latika Imandar for Rs 10 lakh each. The auction also featured notable signings and movements: Asha Shobana was released by UP for Rs 1.2 crore and later picked up at a base price of Rs 30 lakh; Orla Prendergast became the first Irish cricketer selected in the WPL when Gujarat Giants signed her for Rs 30 lakh. The event’s steal buys list included Grace Harris (Rs 30 lakh, UP), Sushma Verma (Rs 30 lakh, UP), Disha Kasat (Rs 10 lakh, MI), Kathryn Bryce (Rs 10 lakh, UP), Sanika Chalke (Rs 10 lakh, MI) and Samaira Raghav (Rs 10 lakh, GG).

Combinations were the priority for the five franchises, and with the other four on limited purse the bidding remained largely cautious. The auction’s biggest takeaway was the continuing importance of domestic cricket to women’s game, with franchises backing a raft of players who have emerged from the circuit.