NEW DELHI: Top international stars, including South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and India's World Cup hero Deepti Sharma, are set to go under the hammer at the WPL auction on Thursday. High-intensity bidding is also expected for rising Indian talents like Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani.

A total of 277 players - 194 from India and 83 overseas - will feature in the inaugural mega auction. Five franchises will compete to fill up to 73 squad slots, comprising 50 Indian players and 23 overseas, with teams required to have between 15 and 18 players each.

Following India's historic ODI World Cup triumph, the demand for Indian stars is expected to soar. Deepti Sharma, who was named Player of the Tournament and released by UP Warriorz shortly after the final, is tipped to attract a lucrative bid.

It wouldn't be surprising if young talents like Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani command paychecks comparable to Deepti Sharma, having showcased their skills during India's victorious ICC campaign. Other notable Indian players in the auction include Harleen Deol, Renuka Singh, and Sneh Rana.

The big international names up for grands included retired Australian captain Meg Lanning, current Australia skipper Alyssa Healy, leading England spinner Sophie Ecclestone, New Zealand veteran Sophie Devine, her compatriot Amelia Kerr and South African captain Wolvaardt.

Wolvaardt was in sublime form in the ODI World Cup, racking up hundreds in the semifinal against England and the final against eventual winners India.

Having retired from international cricket in 2023, Lanning has been in red hot batting form in the WBBL and that will be considered by multiple teams on the auction table.

Australian Phoebe Litchfield is a star in the making and franchises are expected to go after her.

Having retained just one player, UP Warriorz have the maximum purse - 14.5 crore - going into the auction while Delhi Capitals have the least money - 5.70 crore..

Four associate players - Theertha Satish and Esha Oza (both UAE), Tara Norris (USA) and Thipatcha Putthawong (Thailand) are also part of the auction list. The tournament is expected to begin on January 7.

(With PTI Inputs)