The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega public sale produced a number of headline-grabbing moments, however none greater than veteran pacer Shikha Pandey’s sensational rise in worth. The skilled campaigner, as soon as thought of previous her prime within the eyes of selectors, shocked the cricketing world after UP Warriorz secured her companies for an astounding worth.
Shikha Pandey triggers fierce bidding struggle
The public sale corridor erupted into pleasure as quickly as Pandey’s title went up on the board. Beginning at a modest base worth of INR 40 lakh, the 36-year-old shortly grew to become the centre of a heated contest between UP Warriorz (UPW) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Each franchises, eager on bolstering their bowling arsenal with an skilled seamer who brings management and composure beneath strain, stored pushing the paddle with relentless intent. What started as a measured change quickly remodeled right into a high-voltage tug-of-war, with the bid hovering previous the 1-crore mark in minutes.
The depth solely grew as RCB momentarily took the lead at INR 2.2 crore, showing poised to land the veteran. However UPW, armed with the most important purse of the public sale, made a decisive late surge — sealing the deal at INR 2.40 crore and leaving the room buzzing.
Additionally READ: Deepti Sharma emerges as the second most expensive player in WPL history
Second-most costly Indian on the public sale
Pandey’s mega signing elevated her to the place of the second-costliest Indian participant of the day, simply behind Deepti Sharma, who was retained by the Proper to Match (RTM) card at a staggering INR 3.2 crore.
This final result marks a exceptional turnaround for Pandey, who fetched solely INR 60 lakh on the earlier mega public sale. Her exponential rise in worth highlights the rising demand for knowledgeable Indian seamers within the WPL ecosystem, particularly those that provide swing, self-discipline, and flexibility.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
🚨 36 years outdated veteran Shikha Pandey went to UP Warriors for large 2.40 crores!
– Getting paid 2.40 crores at age of 36.
– She has been an ideal participant in WPL & WBBL.
RCB went for her until 2.20 crores. Dont know why Indian group ignored her for two yrs❤️🐐pic.twitter.com/x3nv8bskYv
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 27, 2025
Expertise 🤝 Class
New threads for Shikha Pandey as she joins @UPWarriorz for a whopping INR 2.4 Crore 💛💜#TATAWPL | #TATAWPLAuction pic.twitter.com/nMvcWjsfvC
— Girls’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) November 27, 2025
Shikha Pandey turns into the third most costly purchase on the public sale 💰
The veteran star goes to UP Warriorz 🎯#ShikhaPandey #WPLAuction pic.twitter.com/5hmSJp5iGy— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) November 27, 2025
Abhishek Nayar brings in Shikha Pandey and Deandra Dottin to UP Warriorz from the WPL Public sale.
TKRW → Abhishek Nayar’s Mentorship contact in WPL! ❤👌 pic.twitter.com/EgNcUsP5eU
— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) November 27, 2025
🚨 Shikha Pandey in UP Warriorz 🚨
Matches – 27 || Wickets – 30
She is 36 years outdated bought to Up Warriorz by 2.40 CR 🤯
2nd highest bid for Indian participant in WPL 26 Public sale..!! pic.twitter.com/ECaKe3KHFU
— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) November 27, 2025
2.40 cr for shikha pandey. SO SO DESERVING
— s (@_sectumsempra18) November 27, 2025
Shikha Pandey’s smile when she stated “I am so glad Meg Lanning goes to be there” 🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/bfHJrXtGyQ
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan) November 27, 2025
Shikha Pandey turns into 4th most costly participant in WPL historical past with a 2.4 Cr bid from UPW#shikhapandey #WPLMegaAuction #WPL2026
— Ambika (@apmahapatra) November 27, 2025
• Wolvaardt to Delhi!
• UPW going all in! 💜Dottin ✅Sophie ✅Deepti ✅Kranti ✅Kiran ✅Shikha Pandey for ₹2.4 Cr UPW constructing a powerhouse! #UPWarriorz • Lauren Bell → RCB 🔴
• Linsey Smith → RCB One other good bowling addition. #WPLAuction
• Lizelle Lee to Delhi Capitals— Samartha (@samartha_ggg) November 27, 2025
A giant payday for Shikha Pandey! 💰 #WPLAuction #wpl2026 #UPWarriorz #Delhi #india pic.twitter.com/AL9VrumLPb
— satan (@manojchawla979) November 27, 2025
Shikha Pandey Bought :- 2.6Cr
Up Warrior #WPLAuction— Cricnow (@CricketNew73688) November 27, 2025
🔥 Shikha Pandey → RCB ₹1.80 Cr (third most costly)
RCB & UPW’s bidding struggle was EPIC! 💥 #ShikhaPandey #WPLAuction #WPL2026 #WPLAuction2026 pic.twitter.com/4IwnhewwTS— Er.Rajiv (@Rajiv_siait) November 27, 2025
Shikha Pandey deserves all of this and extra.
Nice choose, UP! https://t.co/BbJyKxe4gE
— Yash Lahoti (@YvLahoti) November 27, 2025
Additionally READ: Fans stunned as Australia captain Alyssa Healy goes unsold in WPL 2026 mega auction
This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times firm.
