Cricket – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Semi Final – Australia v West Indies – The Oval, London, Britain – June 30, 2026 Australia’s Sophie Molineux Action Images via Reuters/Cat Goryn
KOCHI: UP Warriorz, with the biggest purse of Rs 3.75 crore, beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a fierce bidding war to sign Australia captain Sophie Molineux for Rs 1.10 crore at the WPL mini auction in Kochi on Wednesday. UP opened at Rs 50 lakh and RCB, for whom Molineux was part of the 2024 title-winning side, came straight back, and her price zoomed to Rs 95 lakh. UP then moved it to Rs 1 crore, the RCB countered at Rs 1.05 crore. UP finally pushed it to Rs 1.10 crore to seal the deal. They also snapped up experienced Himachal wicketkeeper Sushma Verma and bid Rs 30 lakh for offspinner Sneh Rana.
“We were determined to get Sophie at any cost,” UP Warriorz’ CEO Kshemal Waingankar told reporters. “Grace brings power to the middle order, Molineux the leadership qualities,” Waignakar added. Allrounder Molineux is the X-factor, who provides a wealth of experience for UP, and will be propped up as the perfect foil to her captain and compatriot, Meg Lanning. “It puts us in a good position with Sophie and Grace (Harris) combined to tweak our combinations and decide what works best for us. Harris is likely to open with Lanning or Pratika Rawal. With Harleen Deol also in the mix, it gives UP the legroom to mix and match their batters. With Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma in the squad, their spin attack looks robust.
Sanika Chalke (Rs 10 lakh, MI): Touted as the player of the future. Part of the 2025 U-19 T20 World Cup-winning squad. Player Team Base price Final price Sophie Molineux UP Warriorz Rs 50 lakh Rs 1.1 crore Kiran Navgire Delhi Capitals Rs 40 lakh Rs 75 lakh Gunalan Kamalini Gujarat Giants Rs 40 lakh Rs 40 lakh Jess Jonassen RCB Rs 40 lakh Rs 40 lakh