WPL vs IPL Auction: Main Differences Explained
The auction decides how strong a team will be and helps fix the last year loop holes from the last season. Because the auction is so important, teams plan for months to build a strong squad. Now, let's look at the main differences between the IPL and WPL auctions.
WPL vs IPL: Player Retention Rules
| Category | WPL Retention Rules | IPL Retention Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Max Players Retained | 5 players | 6 players |
| Breakdown of Retentions | Up to 3 capped Indian, 2 uncapped Indian, 2 overseas | Up to 5 capped Indian + overseas, 2 uncapped Indian |
| Retention Slabs | ₹3.5 cr, ₹2.5 cr, ₹1.75 cr, ₹1 cr, ₹50 lakh | ₹18 cr, ₹14 cr, ₹11 cr, ₹8 cr, ₹6 cr |
| Total Deduction for Max Retention | ₹9.25 crore | ₹75 crore |
| Team Purse Size | ₹15 crore | ₹120 crore |
| RTM (Right to Match) Cards Available | Depends on number of players retained | Depends on number of players retained |
| RTM Deduction Rule | Lose 1 RTM for each player retained | Lose 1 RTM for each player retained |
Auction Purse Value
In the IPL 2026 mini auction, there are 10 teams with a total prize pool of ₹120 crore. Each team must spend ₹90 crore to make a squad of 18 players, but they can go up to 25 players. In the WPL 2026 auction, there are five teams. Each team gets ₹15 crore to make a squad of 15-18 players.
The rules for foreign players are different in the IPL and WPL. In the IPL, each team can have up to eight foreign players in their squad, but only four players can play in the playing XI. In the WPL, each team can have six foreign players in their squad, with four players allowed in the playing XI. Additionally, each team must have at least one player from an associate nation.
