Wpl 2026: The upcoming season of the Women’s Premier League has received a major update, with two high-profile Australian cricketers officially withdrawing from the competition. All-rounders Alice Perry and Annabel Sutherland will not take part in Wpl 2026, having pulled out due to personal reasons. Their absence has prompted swift action from league officials, with replacement players already confirmed ahead of the tournament’s start.
The Women’s Premier League, now entering its fourth season, continues to grow as one of the most influential domestic T20 leagues in women’s cricket. While the withdrawals come as a setback for fans and franchises, the league has ensured continuity by announcing experienced replacements across teams.
Why Alice Perry and Annabel Sutherland Will Miss Wpl 2026
Both Alice Perry and Annabel Sutherland are among Australia’s most consistent all-round performers and were expected to play pivotal roles for their respective franchises in Wpl 2026. However, league authorities confirmed on Tuesday that both players have withdrawn after citing personal reasons.
No further details have been disclosed, and the league has respected the players’ privacy. Their decisions were communicated well ahead of the opening match, allowing franchises to finalize replacements without disrupting team balance.
In another development, UP Warriorz fast bowler Tara Norris will also miss the season, though her absence is due to national duty commitments, not personal withdrawal.
Official Replacement Announcements by WPL
Following the withdrawals, the Women’s Premier League confirmed replacements for all three unavailable players. The changes affect Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz.
Confirmed Replacements for Wpl 2026
| Withdrawn Player | Team | Replacement Player | Nationality | Role | Reserve Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Perry | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Sayali Satghare | India | All-rounder | ₹30 lakh |
| Annabel Sutherland | Delhi Capitals | Alana King | Australia | Leg-spinner | ₹60 lakh |
| Tara Norris | UP Warriorz | Charlie Nott | Australia | All-rounder | ₹10 lakh |
These replacements ensure that team combinations remain competitive as the league prepares for another high-profile season.
Sayali Satghare Joins Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Indian all-rounder Sayali Satghare has been named as the replacement for Alice Perry at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. She joins the franchise at her reserve price of ₹30 lakh and brings valuable domestic and international exposure.
Satghare made her international debut for India on 25 September during the ODI series against Ireland in Rajkot. Across three matches, she scored two runs and claimed two wickets, gaining valuable experience at the international level.
Sayali Satghare: Career Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| International Debut | ODI vs Ireland (Rajkot) |
| Matches Played (ODI) | 3 |
| Runs Scored | 2 |
| Wickets Taken | 2 |
| Previous WPL Season | Played |
| Last WPL Stats | 20 runs, 1 wicket |
Satghare also featured in the previous WPL season, where she contributed both with the bat and ball. Her inclusion offers Royal Challengers Bengaluru a promising Indian all-round option as they defend their title in Wpl 2026.
Alana King Returns to WPL with Delhi Capitals
Australian leg-spinner Alana King has been signed by Delhi Capitals as a replacement for Annabel Sutherland. King joins the franchise at a reserve price of ₹60 lakh, reflecting her growing reputation as a dependable T20 bowler.
King has already proven her credentials on the international stage, having taken 27 wickets in 27 T20 international matches for Australia. She previously played in the Women’s Premier League and represented UP Warriorz during the last season.
Although her batting contribution was limited—scoring only 19 runs in one match—her primary strength lies in her ability to control the middle overs with disciplined leg-spin.
Alana King: T20 Profile
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| T20 Internationals | 27 matches |
| T20 Wickets | 27 |
| Previous WPL Team | UP Warriorz |
| Playing Style | Right-arm leg-spin |
| Role in Team | Strike bowler |
Delhi Capitals will rely on King’s experience to strengthen their bowling attack as they chase their first WPL title in 2026.
Charlie Nott Signs with UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz have named Charlie Nott, an Australian all-rounder, as the replacement for Tara Norris. Nott has been signed at a reserve price of ₹10 lakh and brings prior WPL experience to the squad.
She previously played for Delhi Capitals during the inaugural WPL season in 2023, making her familiar with Indian conditions and league intensity. In a notable development, Nott has also been selected in the United States women’s team for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Nepal next year.
Her selection highlights her versatility and growing presence in international women’s cricket.
Wpl 2026: Tournament Dates and Venues
The fourth season of the Women’s Premier League will begin on 9 January and conclude on 5 February, with matches staged across two venues in India—Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
The tournament will be played in two phases, with the first set of matches hosted in Navi Mumbai before the league moves to Vadodara for the latter half, including the playoffs and final.
Opening Match of Wpl 2026
The season opener will feature a blockbuster clash between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians.
- Date: 9 January
- Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
First Stage Match Schedule (Navi Mumbai)
Note: The first 11 matches will be played in Navi Mumbai.
| Match | Date | Teams | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 January | MI vs RCB | 7:30 PM |
| 2 | 10 January | UPW vs GG | 3:00 PM |
| 3 | 10 January | MI vs DC | 7:30 PM |
| 4 | 11 January | DC vs GG | 7:30 PM |
| 5 | 12 January | RCB vs UPW | 7:30 PM |
| 6 | 13 January | MI vs GG | 7:30 PM |
| 7 | 14 January | UPW vs DC | 7:30 PM |
| 8 | 15 January | MI vs UPW | 7:30 PM |
| 9 | 16 January | RCB vs GG | 7:30 PM |
| 10 | 17 January | UPW vs MI | 3:00 PM |
| 11 | 17 January | DC vs RCB | 7:30 PM |
Second Stage Match Schedule (Vadodara)
Note: The last 11 matches will be played in Vadodara.
| Match | Date | Teams | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 19 January | GG vs RCB | 7:30 PM |
| 13 | 20 January | DC vs MI | 7:30 PM |
| 14 | 22 January | GG vs UPW | 7:30 PM |
| 15 | 24 January | RCB vs DC | 7:30 PM |
| 16 | 26 January | RCB vs MI | 7:30 PM |
| 17 | 27 January | GG vs DC | 7:30 PM |
| 18 | 29 January | UPW vs RCB | 7:30 PM |
| 19 | 30 January | GG vs MI | 7:30 PM |
| 20 | 1 February | DC vs UPW | 7:30 PM |
| 21 | 3 February | Eliminator | 7:30 PM |
| 22 | 5 February | Final | 7:30 PM |
What These Changes Mean for Wpl 2026
While the withdrawal of star players like Alice Perry and Annabel Sutherland is a notable loss, Wpl 2026 remains stacked with international and domestic talent. The replacements bring a mix of youth, experience, and adaptability that keeps the league competitive and unpredictable.
For teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals, squad depth will be tested early. Meanwhile, UP Warriorz gain a versatile option in Charlie Nott as they look to make a deeper run this season.
The Women’s Premier League continues to serve as a global platform for women’s cricket, and despite last-minute changes, the excitement surrounding Wpl 2026 remains undiminished.
With packed stadiums, prime-time broadcasts, and rising global viewership in markets like the UK and US, the upcoming season is expected to further elevate the league’s international profile.
