The Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 Women’s Auction held on July 7 in New Delhi marked a significant step forward for women’s domestic cricket in India. Organised by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), this second edition of the women’s auction saw robust participation. A structured bidding process, and a clear intent to develop grassroots cricket for young female players in the capital.
Each franchise was allocated a purse of ₹75 lakh for the auction. The players were divided into four categories — Marquee, Category A, Category B, and Category C. The Marquee category featured top performers and former internationals. Category A included 18 domestic-level players; Category B consisted of 34 Under-23 and Under-19 stars. While Category C featured 96 emerging cricketers from club and league circuits. This structure ensured a balance between experience and youth in team compositions.
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THE BIDDING PROCESS
One retention per team was permitted, with purse deductions depending on the player’s category. ₹10.5 lakh for Marquee, ₹6 lakh for Category A, ₹2.5 lakh for Category B, and ₹1 lakh for Category C. Additionally, each team could use one Right-To-Match (RTM) card, which allowed them to re-acquire a released player from Categories A, B, or C during the bidding. The rules were designed to allow franchises to build continuity while maintaining a competitive balance.
Emerging domestic stars such as Tanisha Singh, Nazma, Monika, and Purva Siwach reportedly attracted attention with bids ranging from ₹9.75 lakh to ₹13 lakh in similar formats, reflecting rising interest in women’s cricket. The DDCA’s commitment was evident, with President Rohan Jaitley noting that over 600 girls had participated in the recent women’s cricket club tournament. Adding that the association plans to introduce more teams and matches in upcoming seasons.
THE NEW FEATURE
A unique feature of this year’s auction was the age eligibility criteria, which allowed Under-16 players to be picked by teams. This bold move reinforces DDCA’s focus on grooming talent early and giving young players exposure at a professional level. Moreover, the association has offered financial assistance to clubs running women’s teams. With a subsidy of ₹1 lakh per club, a strong signal that women’s cricket is no longer peripheral, but central to Delhi’s cricketing roadmap.
This auction also comes at a time when domestic leagues are increasingly becoming talent pipelines for national call-ups and WPL (Women’s Premier League) selections. The Delhi model, with its structured player pool, transparent retention system, and youth-focused framework, could serve as a blueprint for other state cricket bodies. By assigning value to each player and offering auction visibility, the DPL is ensuring that women cricketers are not just participating, but truly thriving in the professional sports ecosystem.
The DPL 2025 Women’s Auction was not just about buying players, it was a celebration of rising talent, a platform for equal opportunity, and a bold push toward transforming Delhi into a powerhouse for women’s cricket. As Season 2 unfolds, expect compelling matches, exciting debuts, and the shaping of future stars for Team India.
