Breaking! Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland Out of WPL 2026

Australian all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland will not play the upcoming season of Women's Premier League. Both players have withdrawn from the WPL 2026 season, with each citing personal reasons for their absence from the upcoming season.

This is a massive blow to their respective sides as both players are standouts for their team, and their absence will definitely disturb the balance of their WPL franchise. Perry is a marquee player and one of the best women cricketers in the world. She was an integral part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s plans, but she has chosen not to participate this year to focus on matters off the field.

Annabel Sutherland, Ellyse Perry Out of WPL 2026

Annabel Sutherland, who had been retained by Delhi Capitals Women and was set to bring pace and all-round firepower to the WPL 2026, has stepped away from the league for personal reasons that prevent her from committing to the full schedule. Both withdrawals are likely to change franchise strategies ahead of the 2026 season, forcing them to look for Annabel Sutherland and Ellyse Perry replacement.

Following Ellyse Perry’s withdrawal, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women have moved quickly to name Sayali Satghare as her replacement. The Indian all-rounder will link up with the Smriti Mandhana-led side after being signed at her reserve price of ₹30 lakh.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals have opted for experience by bringing in Australian spinner Alana King as Annabel Sutherland replacement. King, who previously turned out for the UP Warriorz Women, will now be part of the Jemimah Rodrigues-led squad, having been picked up at a reserve price of ₹60 lakh.

Is Ellyse Perry's Absence a Major Blow to RCB's Chances in WPL 2026?

Ellyse Perry WPL 2026 absence deals a major setback to Royal Challengers Bengaluru women, given the impact she has had on the franchise in recent seasons. The experienced all-rounder played a decisive role in RCB’s title-winning 2024 campaign, finishing as the orange cap holder with 347 runs at an average of 69.40, while also contributing seven wickets from nine matches.

Even during an injury-affected 2025 season, Ellyse Perry remained one of RCB’s most reliable performers, smashing 372 runs in eight games, including four half-centuries, which led the franchise to retain her for ₹2 crore ahead of the upcoming edition.

Annabel Sutherland was similarly influential for the Delhi Capitals Women in their journey to the final last season. The Australian all-rounder impressed with her consistency, picking up nine wickets at an economy rate of 7.57, which earned her a ₹2.2 crore retention. Annabel Sutherland WPL 2026 absence is likely to affect DC's player combination.

Notably, UP Warriorz have also been forced into a squad adjustment after USA pacer Tara Norris was called up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal, scheduled from January 18 to February 1. In response, the Warriorz have drafted in uncapped Australian all-rounder Charli Knott as her replacement, signing her at a reserve price of ₹10 lakh. The WPL 2026 season is set to begin in just over a week, with the Mumbai Indians Women facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening clash at Navi Mumbai on January 9.