2026 WPL Auction: Will an associate player finally earn a bid?
Four associate cricketers from the UAE, USA and Thailand have registered for the WPL 2026 Auction. With the fifth overseas slot rule in play, can an associate player finally be picked in the Women’s Premier League this season?
The rise of associate nations in women’s cricket has been one of the most encouraging stories over the past few years, and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has quietly played its part in that progress.
With the WPL 2026 Auction set for November 27 in New Delhi, four cricketers from associate countries are hoping to catch the attention of franchises and finally secure a contract on the biggest stage of women’s franchise cricket.
These players are:
- Thipatcha Putthawong (Thailand)
- Esha Oza (UAE)
- Theertha Satish (UAE)
- Tara Norris (USA)
All four have registered themselves at the base price of ₹10 lakh.
A rule that keeps the door open
The WPL allows teams to field a fifth overseas player in the XI, provided she is from an associate nation. This regulation has already helped a few players step into the league, and even make history.
- Tara Norris became the first-ever associate player in the WPL when she joined Delhi Capitals in 2023, where she famously claimed the first five-wicket haul in WPL history.
- Kathryn Bryce (Scotland) followed in 2024 with Gujarat Giants.
- Sarah Bryce (Scotland) was picked by Delhi Capitals in 2025.
However, the last auction saw no associate player earning a contract, leaving many fans disappointed. This year offers a fresh chance for redemption.
A diverse auction pool
A total of 277 players will go under the hammer this year, with 73 slots available across five teams. The mix includes:
- 52 capped Indian players
- 66 capped overseas players
- 142 uncapped Indian players
- 17 uncapped overseas players (including the four associate names)
Competition will be intense, but opportunity is certainly there.
What makes these names exciting?
| Player | Nation | Role | Why teams may look at them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thipatcha Putthawong | Thailand | Left-arm spinner | Huge breakout year in international cricket |
| Esha Oza | UAE | Top-order batter | One of the most consistent batters in associate cricket |
| Theertha Satish | UAE | Wicketkeeper-batter | Versatile, strong striker of the ball |
| Tara Norris | USA | Left-arm quick | Proven WPL performer with a 5-wicket haul |
All four bring skills that WPL teams are actively seeking, especially variety in bowling and batting depth.
Could 2026 be the year?
Associate cricket continues to grow, and these names have worked relentlessly to deserve the spotlight. If a franchise is willing to think outside the box, much like Delhi did in 2023, we could well see an associate star shine again.
Fans will certainly be rooting for at least one of them to get the recognition they’ve earned. Auction day awaits, and the hopes of associate nations await with it.
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