Australian stars Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland have withdrawn from the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season citing personal reasons, dealing a major setback to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals ahead of the tournament’s fourth edition.
Perry, who was set to turn out for RCB, and Sutherland, signed by Delhi Capitals, will not be available for the season. The franchises have announced replacements, with Sayali Satghare joining RCB at her reserve price of Rs 30 lakh, while Alana King has been roped in by Delhi Capitals for Rs 60 lakh. King, who represented UP Warriorz in the previous season, brings valuable experience, having picked up 27 wickets in 27 T20 internationals for Australia.
Perry’s absence is expected to significantly impact RCB. The veteran all-rounder was instrumental in the franchise’s title-winning campaign in 2024, finishing as the Orange Cap holder with 347 runs at an average of 69.40, along with seven wickets. Despite RCB’s injury-hit campaign in 2025, Perry remained consistent, scoring 372 runs with four half-centuries in eight matches. She was retained by the franchise for Rs 2 crore ahead of the 2026 season.
Annabel Sutherland had also played a key role in Delhi Capitals’ run to the final last year, picking up nine wickets at an economy of 7.57. She was retained by DC for Rs 2.2 crore, making her unavailability a notable loss for the side.
Meanwhile, UP Warriorz have also made a squad change after USA all-rounder Tara Norris was selected for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal, scheduled from January 18 to February 1. The franchise has signed uncapped Australian all-rounder Charli Knott as her replacement at a reserve price of Rs 10 lakh.
The WPL 2026 season begins on January 9, with Mumbai Indians set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match at Navi Mumbai.
