WPL 2026 Shock: Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland Withdraw; Replacements Named
In a stunning turn of events on December 30, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Australian icons Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland have pulled out of WPL Season 4. With the tournament set to kick off in less than two weeks, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and last year’s finalists Delhi Capitals (DC) have been forced into emergency tactical reshuffles.
The Replacements: Who’s Stepping Up?
Franchises have moved with lightning speed to fill the overseas and domestic slots left by the departing Aussies.
1. The RCB Void: Life After the ‘Orange Cap’ Queen
The withdrawal of Ellyse Perry is arguably the biggest blow in WPL history. Perry wasn’t just a player; she was RCB’s heartbeat, leading them to the 2024 title with a tournament-high average.
- The Strategic Shift: By picking Sayali Satghare (formerly of Gujarat Giants), RCB is pivoting toward a stronger Indian domestic core. Satghare brings medium-pace utility and lower-order grit.
- Overseas Balance: This move allows RCB to potentially fit in an extra overseas specialist in the bowling department, such as Lauren Bell or Nadine de Klerk.
2. Delhi Capitals: From Pace to Leg-Spin Supremacy
Annabel Sutherland was DC’s “X-factor” in the death overs. Her replacement, Alana King, signals a massive change in Delhi’s defensive strategy.
- Spin Twins: King, who previously played for UP Warriorz, joins forces with Radha Yadav. On the slow, turning tracks of Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, this leg-spin duo could become the most feared unit in the league.
- The Cost: DC loses Sutherland’s lower-order power-hitting, putting more pressure on Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma to anchor the innings.
3. The ‘Nepal’ Conflict: Tara Norris Out
In a unique development, Tara Norris (USA) will miss the season for UP Warriorz because she has been called up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal. Her replacement, Charli Knott, is a rising Australian star known for her explosive strike rate in the Big Bash.
WPL 2026: Key Dates & Venues
- Opening Match: RCB vs. Mumbai Indians (Jan 9, 2026)
- Venues: Dr. DY Patil Stadium (Navi Mumbai) & BCA Stadium (Vadodara)
- Captaincy Update: Ashleigh Gardner has been confirmed to lead the Gujarat Giants.
