Jess Jonassen, an Australian bowling all-rounder, has withdrawn from the impending Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction owing to injury.
The WPL informed her withdrawal to franchises during the pre-auction meeting on Wednesday, November 26.
The WPL also advised teams that batter Pratika Rawal, wicketkeeper-batsman Yastika Bhatia, and seamer VJ Joshitha are now injured, but their names are still in the auction pool. These players are not eligible for the mandatory 15-player roster, and organisations that pick them will be unable to sign replacements.
Rawal has set a basic price of INR 50 lakh, Bhatia at INR 30 lakh, and Joshitha at INR 10 lakh. Additionally, India fast bowler Pooja Vastrakar has been considered not entirely fit, but she will participate in the auction. Meanwhile, Kashvee Gautam has been certified completely fit. Pacer Pooja Vastrakar has a base price of INR 50 lakh, while Gautam’s is INR 30 lakh.
The 33-year-old, who played three seasons with the Delhi Capitals Women, has been a standout in the WPL, winning five Player of the Match accolades, second only to Harmanpreet Kaur (7). She has also taken the most wickets (33) for DC in tournament history. She is now rehabilitating from a long-standing shoulder injury and anticipates a good return.
The WPL 2026 auction marquee includes major international talents such as Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, and Laura Wolvaardt. Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh are India’s two native players who have made this elite list.
This year marks the inaugural WPL mega-auction, with 277 players registered. A total of 73 spots are available, including 50 for Indian players and 23 for international players. Each squad can sign up to 18 players, with a minimum of 15 and a maximum of six overseas players.
Following the presentation of the first 67 players, the auction will proceed to the expedited round, in which franchises can suggest individuals from the remaining pool. After that, teams can request that unsold or unpresented players from the entire list of 277 be returned to the auction.
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