Just 10 days before the start of its fourth edition, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals have encountered a setback with experienced Australian all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland withdrawing from the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026.
Both players have cited personal reasons for their withdrawal from the WPL, which begins on January 9.
Replacements Announced
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have named Sayali Satghare as a replacement for Perry. Satghare, who represents Mumbai at the domestic level and has previously been part of the Gujarat Giants squad, will join RCB at her reserve price of INR 30 lakh.
The three-time finalists, Delhi Capitals, have selected fellow Aussie Alana King as a replacement for Sutherland. The Australian leg-spinner, who played for UP Warriorz in the previous season, has featured in 27 T20Is and taken 27 wickets. King will join DC at a reserve price of INR 60 lakh.
Meanwhile, left-arm medium pacer Tara Norris has been selected for the USA national team for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Nepal from January 18 to February 1, 2026. Consequently, she will be unavailable for the Women’s Premier League 2026.
Replacement for UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz have named uncapped Australian all-rounder Charli Knott as Norris’s replacement. Knott has been signed at a reserve price of INR 10 lakh.
Tournament Details
The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League will take place from January 9 to February 5, 2026, with the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara serving as the two venues. The opening match will be held at DY Patil Stadium, while the final will occur at Vadodara on February 5.
In Match 1 of the fourth edition, two-time winners Mumbai Inddigihunt Women will face off against 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the DY Patil Stadium.