New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) While the Mumbai Indians (MI), two-time champions of WPL, were anticipated to keep their star players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt, the decision to prioritize the England captain as the first retention over the Indian skipper surprised many.

Additionally, Nat, the seam-bowling all-rounder who was awarded the player of the tournament in WPL 2025, has been retained for a higher fee of Rs 3.5 crore, whereas Harmanpreet will be retained at Rs 2.5 crore.

Sources close to the situation revealed to IANS that it was Harmanpreet, who recently led her team to victory in the Women’s ODI World Cup, that made the choice to place Nat as the top retention. “Harmanpreet aims to build a formidable team for WPL 2026, which is why she decided Nat would be MI’s first retained player, with herself being the second pick,” sources informed IANS.

Following the retention of Nat and Harmanpreet, MI has also secured West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, along with India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur and uncapped wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini, who impressed during the 2025 season and was a standout performer in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

“The retention process is often a tough one, requiring difficult decisions about exceptional talent. We are pleased with our retained combination - a captain who sets an example, proven international performers, and emerging Indian stars,” the sources added.

“Harman's capacity to bring out the best in her team is invaluable. With Nat, Hayley, Amanjot, and Kamalini, we boast the ideal blend of aggression, skill, and temperament,” they stated.

“The Mumbai Indians have consistently focused on cultivating champions, and this new phase is yet another chance to showcase our dedication to excellence alongside our champions. Every player associated with MI in the WPL has contributed significantly, and we honor their efforts,” remarked MI co-owner Akash Ambani.

MI will approach the auction with a budget of Rs 5.75 crore and will not possess any Right to Match (RTM) cards due to retaining five players. Each franchise has been allocated Rs 15 crore for squad formation in the upcoming mega auction scheduled for November 27 in New Delhi.

MI Retained Players: Nat Sciver-Brunt (Rs 3.5 crore), Harmanpreet Kaur (Rs 2.5 crore), Hayley Matthews (Rs 1.75 crore), Amanjot Kaur (Rs 1 crore), G Kamalini (Rs 50 lakh).

MI Released Players: Yastika Bhatia, Sanskriti Gupta, Saika Ishaque, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Jintimani Kalita, Nadine de Klerk, Sathyamoorthy Keerthana, Chloe Tryon, Akshita Maheshwari, Amandeep Kaur, Parunika Sisodia, Sajeevan Sajana, and Pooja Vastrakar.