RCB Releases Grace Harris and Linsey Smith Before WPL 2027 Auction
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has parted ways with key players Grace Harris and Linsey Smith ahead of the Women's Premier League auction.
RCB released four players, including Grace Harris and Linsey Smith.
The WPL 2027 auction is scheduled for October 28 in Kochi.
UP Warriorz leads in player releases with nine players let go.
In a significant move ahead of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 Auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has announced the release of hard-hitting batter Grace Harris and bowler Linsey Smith. This decision comes as RCB prepares for the upcoming season, where they aim to defend their title. Harris, who had a notable performance in the previous season with two half-centuries against UP Warriorz, is among four players let go by the franchise, which includes D. Hemalatha and Gautami Nayak.
The decision to release these players reflects RCB's strategy to reshape their squad for the new season. Ellyse Perry, a legendary all-rounder who missed the last season due to personal reasons, is set to return. RCB has retained several key players, including Lauren Bell, Nadine de Klerk, and Georgia Voll, as they look to build a competitive team for the upcoming tournament.
In contrast, Gujarat Giants have retained the highest number of players, holding on to 15 while releasing four. Notably, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, the top scorer in this year's T20 World Cup, is among the players released by the Giants. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have made minimal changes, letting go of G. Kamalini, likely due to scheduling conflicts with the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup.
The Delhi Capitals have retained their core group with 13 players while releasing six, including notable names like Lizelle Lee and Sneh Rana. The Capitals also welcomed back Annabel Sutherland, who had withdrawn from the previous season. UP Warriorz, however, made the most significant changes, releasing nine players, including overseas stars like Deandra Dottin and Chloe Tryon.
The WPL auction is set to take place on October 28 in Kochi, with UP Warriorz having the largest budget of INR 3.65 Crore and seven player slots to fill. In contrast, Mumbai Indians have the least budget at INR 1 Crore but also have seven slots available. The 2027 edition of the WPL is scheduled to run from January 14 to February 7, marking an exciting season ahead for women's cricket in India.
