The WPL 2026 auction saw an unexpected development as veteran Australian wicket-keeper Alyssa Healy remained unsold, creating a significant stir in the women’s cricket community. As the first name called from the high-profile marquee list, Healy’s failure to attract any bids was a major talking point throughout the event in Delhi. The initial hope that she might be picked in the later, accelerated rounds proved unfounded, as no franchise placed a bid for her.
Post-auction, insights from team coaches shed light on the factors that may have contributed to this surprising outcome. UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar commented on the strategic challenges teams face, particularly the limited number of overseas player spots in the playing XI. He noted that the preference for all-rounders often dictates team composition, potentially leaving less room for specialist batters, even one of Healy’s stature.
Anya Shrubsole, leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru women’s side, also provided her team’s perspective. She explained that RCB’s batting lineup is already well-stacked with talent, including key players like Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Wareham, who also offers bowling options. With Richa Ghosh already filling the wicket-keeper batter role effectively within their top five, the acquisition of Healy was deemed redundant for their team strategy. Healy had been released by UP Warriorz and entered the auction at a base price of Rs 50 lakh.