Top 5 Overseas Players in WPL 2027 Auction and Their Reserve Prices

The WPL 2027 auction will take place in Kochi on October 28, with 146 players competing for 27 available slots across five franchises. Only seven overseas spots are available, making the battle for experienced international players particularly competitive. England’s Sophia Dunkley and Australia’s Sophie Molineux have registered the highest base price of ₹50 lakh, while Grace Harris and Chamari Athapaththu are among the overseas options in the ₹30 lakh bracket.

Sophia Dunkley – ₹50 lakh

England batter Sophia Dunkley headlines the WPL 2027 auction list with a base price of ₹50 lakh. Her previous WPL campaign with Gujarat Giants demonstrated her ability to attack bowlers in the powerplay. In the inaugural 2023 season, Dunkley scored 121 runs in six matches, including a half-century, at a strike rate above 140. Those numbers underline her potential to provide quick starts in T20 cricket. Franchises seeking an aggressive top-order batter could consider her experience valuable, although the final bid will depend on team requirements and available purse.

Sophie Molineux – ₹50 lakh

Sophie Molineux shares the highest base price of ₹50 lakh, backed by her left-arm spin and all-round ability. Her WPL numbers from 2024 provide a strong argument for her value: she claimed 12 wickets in 10 matches, with best figures of 3/20 and an economy rate of 7.32. She was an important contributor to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign. Molineux also brings substantial international experience, having taken 56 wickets in 53 T20Is according to Cricket Australia’s career figures. Her ability to strengthen the bowling attack while contributing lower down the order makes her an attractive option.

Grace Harris – ₹30 lakh

Australian all-rounder Grace Harris enters the auction at ₹30 lakh. Her reputation as an explosive T20 batter comes from her aggressive approach and ability to clear the boundary under pressure. She has also represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL, offering franchises experience in the competition. She has scored 818 runs with the 85 as highest score. Also picked up 15 wickets. Her all-round profile allows teams to consider her for a middle-order role while retaining an additional bowling option. With a lower reserve price than Dunkley and Molineux, Harris could be a practical target for a franchise searching for power-hitting without committing immediately to the highest bidding bracket.

Chamari Athapaththu – ₹30 lakh

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu brings considerable international experience to the WPL 2027 auction. Her T20I record features 4,311 runs in 173 matches, including four centuries and 16 half-centuries, highlighting her ability to deliver substantial scores in the format. She has also struck 120 sixes in T20Is, demonstrating her boundary-hitting potential. However, her previous WPL opportunities have been limited: she scored 28 runs in four matches. Franchises must therefore weigh her outstanding international record against her relatively small WPL sample when considering a ₹30 lakh base price.

Jess Jonassen – ₹40 lakh

Australian left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen has registered at ₹40 lakh. Her WPL record provides strong evidence of her bowling value, she took 33 wickets in eight matches, with best figures of 4/31. She also scored 295 runs, offering useful batting depth. These performances show why she could attract attention from teams looking for an experienced spin-bowling all-rounder. With only seven overseas positions available, Jonassen’s ability to contribute in two departments could make her an important option for franchises balancing their bowling attack and lower-order batting.

Ultimately, the WPL 2027 auction will test how franchises balance proven performances, squad requirements and budgets. Dunkley and Molineux lead the list at ₹50 lakh, while Harris and Athapaththu offer alternative all-round and batting options at ₹30 lakh. Jonassen’s recent WPL wicket-taking record makes her another overseas player worth watching when bidding begins.

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Source: femalecricket.com