Ecclestone, who played a key role in the Warriorz’s campaigns, boasts a stellar WPL record, including being the highest wicket-taker in the inaugural season with 16 wickets. Her overall WPL stats are formidable, with 36 wickets from 25 matches at an impressive average and an economy rate hovering around 6.68 – exceptional figures in T20 cricket. Her unexpected availability, coupled with the introduction of the Right to Match (RTM) card system, sets the stage for a high-stakes battle. Based on the shortage of squads and available funds, three franchises stand out as main contenders for the England star.
3 teams that could target Sophie Ecclestone in the WPL 2026 auction
1. UP Warriorz
The UP Warriorz management made a bold, arguably risky move by retaining just one player, an uncapped Indian opener Shweta Sehrawat. This decision ensures that they enter the mega auction with the largest wallet and a full quota of four Right to Match (RTM) cards. While the intention is clearly to rebuild the entire squad from scratch, the loss of their most effective and consistent wicket-taker is distressing.
The Warriorz are built around the stability and control that Ecclestone offered in the middle overs. Her presence freed other bowlers and allowed the team to dictate terms. Now that the franchise has retained just one player, it has a huge void to fill their bowling line-up. Reacquiring Ecclestone using one of their four RTM cards or outbidding rivals in the main auction isn’t just an option – it’s a strategic necessity. By doing this, they can secure a known match winner who is already familiar with the team environment, while still using their enormous wallets to build a new core around her.
2. Mumbai Indians
The Mumbai Indians (MI) management showed confidence in their proven Championship core by retaining five marquee players including Natalie Sciver-Bruntcaptain Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot KaurAnd Gmas. This strong retained contingent offers an explosive batting unit and two world-class pace bowling all-rounders in Sciver-Brunt and Matthews.
However, analysis of their low-key attack reveals a clear requirement: a world-class specialist spinner. While Matthews and Harmanpreet offer off-spin options, the team lacks a slow, orthodox left-arm bowler in the frontline to complement their attack on the Indian pitches. Ecclestone’s ability to bowl economically and pick wickets at critical moments would be the perfect foil to MI’s pace and powerful style. Her inclusion would transform their bowling unit from a good attack into perhaps the most versatile and threatening in the league. Since MI has used all their retention slots, they have no RTM cards and will have to fight an intense battle with their remaining wallets to secure its services.
READ also: WPL 2026: UP Warriorz can target 5 players in Women’s Premier League mega auction
3. Capitals of Delhi
The Delhi Capitals (DC) have also retained their full quota of five players, securing the services of key hitters Rodrogue And Shafali Vermaalongside world-class pace bowling all-rounders Annabel Sutherland And Marizanne Kappand an uncapped player Niki Prasad.
DC has strategically invested heavily in pace bowling all-rounders, creating a formidable seam attack. However, like Mumbai, this composition leaves a significant gap in the specialist spin department. With Kapp and Sutherland providing power and death-over expertise, the Capitals are in dire need of a world-class spinner to operate during the suffocating middle-overs. Ecclestone’s control, consistency and temperament in big matches make her the ideal candidate to complete the DC team and provide the variety they need to secure that elusive WPL title.
READ also: WPL 2026: 3 Teams That Could Target Kim Garth in the Women’s Premier League Mega Auction
This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
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