WPL 2026 Retention Shockers: Gujarat Giants Release World Cup Stars Laura Wolvaardt and Deepti Sharma

In a stunning move that has sent ripples through the women’s cricket community, the Gujarat Giants have opted not to retain two of the game’s biggest stars – South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and India’s Deepti Sharma – ahead of the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction.

The decision comes as a major surprise, particularly given the stellar recent form of both players. Laura Wolvaardt was the highest run-scorer in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, where she captained South Africa to the final. Similarly, Deepti Sharma, a World Cup winner with India, was named the Player of the Tournament in the same event after a match-winning performance in the final. Deepti had also won the Player of the Tournament award in the WPL 2024.

The Giants’ choice appears to be dictated by the retention rules, which allow each team to retain only two overseas players. The franchise has decided to stick with the Australian duo of captain Beth Mooney and all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, leaving no room for Wolvaardt.

In more expected news, other major Indian stars have been retained by their respective franchises. Harmanpreet Kaur (MI), Smriti Mandhana (RCB), Shafali Verma (DC), Richa Ghosh (RCB), and Jemimah Rodrigues (DC) will all continue with their teams.

The full list of retained players confirmed by the franchises is as follows:

• Mumbai Indians (MI): Harmanpreet Kaur, Amanjot Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, G Kamalini
• Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, Shreyanka Patil
• Gujarat Giants (GG): Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney
• UP Warriorz (UPW): Shweta Sehrawat
• Delhi Capitals (DC): Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Niki Prasad

The release of such high-profile players sets the stage for a fiercely competitive auction, where franchises will battle it out to secure the services of these proven match-winners.

Editors Recommendations:

• WPL 2026: Official List of Released Players by DC, MI, RCB, GG, and UP Warriorz

                                               

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