UP Warriorz Signs Sophie Molineux for Rs. 1.1 Crore at WPL 2027 Auction
Sophie Molineux has been sold to UP Warriorz for Rs. 1.1 crore in the WPL 2027 auction.
KOCHI, Oct 28: UP Warriorz acquired Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux for Rs. 1.1 crore during the Women’s Premier League 2027 auction held in Kochi. Warriorz faced competition from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who initially raised the bidding to Rs. 1.05 crore.
After a fierce contest, Warriorz secured Molineux after starting the bidding at Rs. 50 lakh, quickly escalating the price within seconds. Molineux, a key player for RCB in 2024, missed the previous season due to a hip injury but returned to play in Australia’s T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year.
RCB adopted a conservative approach, spending Rs 14.95 crore and acquiring players like Chloe Tryon and Jess Jonassen. Despite this, they failed to secure Molineux, indicating their intent to enhance their squad while remaining mindful of budget limits.
UP Warriorz also made several key signings, including Grace Harris for Rs. 30 lakh and India’s Sneh Rana at her base price of Rs. 30 lakh. Harris, who previously played for Warriorz, rejoined after a successful stint with RCB. Rana has a history in the league with multiple franchises.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu did not attract any bids, leaving her future in the league uncertain. She was the oldest player in the auction and has previously struggled to attract interest from franchises.
The WPL 2027 auction saw a total of 150 players bid for just 27 available slots across five franchises, including Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. Other signings included Kiran Navgire by Delhi Capitals for Rs. 75 lakh and Jess Jonassen for Rs. 40 lakh to RCB.
Sources
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.