In a decision that has stunned cricket fans and experts alike, Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchise UP Warriorz has released India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma ahead of the 2025 season auction. The move comes just weeks after Deepti’s exceptional performance in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, where she played a pivotal role in guiding India to victory and was named the Player of the Series.
A Dominant World Cup Campaign
Deepti Sharma’s contribution to India’s World Cup triumph was monumental. The 28-year-old all-rounder emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, combining her skillful spin bowling with crucial middle-order batting performances. Her all-round brilliance reached its peak in the final against South Africa, where she claimed 5 wickets for 39 runs and added 58 runs with the bat, steering India to a memorable win.
Her consistency throughout the tournament not only earned her the top individual honour but also reaffirmed her status as one of the most complete cricketers in women’s cricket today.
UP Warriorz’s Bold Decision Raises Eyebrows
Despite her dominant performances, the UP Warriorz management made the surprising call to release Deepti into the auction pool. The announcement came when the franchise revealed its list of retained and released players, and Deepti’s omission quickly became the talking point across the cricket community.
Head coach Abhishek Nayar explained the rationale behind the move, emphasizing the need for a strategic reset. “It is always hard when it comes to retentions, especially when you have so many good players and leaders in their own right,” Nayar said. “But the thought from the franchise was to start with a clean slate and have as much money in the purse as possible. This gives us flexibility to go after the players we believe can win the Championship — including possibly bringing some of them back in the auction.”
Past Glory and Present Uncertainty
This isn’t the first time Deepti has shone in franchise cricket. In the 2024 WPL season, she was named Player of the Tournament, leading UP Warriorz with both bat and ball. Her leadership on the field, calm temperament, and ability to handle pressure made her one of the most dependable players in the league.
However, as part of their revamped strategy, the franchise has chosen to retain only Shweta Sehrawat, the former Under-19 World Cup winner, signalling a major shift toward a younger core and long-term rebuilding.
Nayar admitted the decision was difficult, saying, “Having said that, it is never easy to make these decisions. We always believe in our process — right or wrong, we’ll stand by it. The goal is to build the best combination possible with a full purse.”
Deepti Sharma’s release adds a dramatic twist to the upcoming WPL 2025 auction, where she is expected to be one of the most sought-after players. Given her recent performances, multiple franchises will likely compete to secure her services.
Cricket analysts believe that her versatility as a genuine all-rounder, along with her proven track record on the biggest stage, makes her a valuable asset to any team. Whether she returns to UP Warriorz or dons a new jersey, Deepti’s presence will undoubtedly boost whichever side she joins.
This decision also highlights how strategic financial planning and team restructuring are shaping the modern women’s franchise ecosystem. As teams aim for long-term balance and adaptability, even star performers like Deepti Sharma are not immune to tough business calls.
For Deepti, the next few weeks will be crucial. Her remarkable form and leadership qualities ensure she remains one of India’s brightest cricketing icons, with her journey far from over.
