Huge blow for RCB ahead of WPL 2026; Ellyse Perry pulls out due to THIS reason

The WPL 2026 will begin on January 9 with matches to be played in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have suffered a massive blow ahead of the Women’s Premier League 2026 season as their star all-rounder pulls out of the upcoming season.

Ellyse Perry has been Bengaluru’s star player for the first three seasons. She played a key role in the second edition when RCBW lifted their maiden title.

As an all-rounder and a superb fielder, Perry contributes in every domain and leads RCB‘s effort with the bat. Perry’s surprising decision to withdraw from the 2026 WPL season due to “personal reasons” is a major blow for the Royal Challengers.

In WPL history, Perry stands second for most runs with 972. With a sensational average of 62 and a strike rate of around 133, the Australian is the most valuable asset after Nat Sciver Brunt.

Apart from Perry, Annabel Sutherland has also withdrawn from the tournament. Sutherland was also retained by Delhi Capitals and formed a key role in the middle-order with the bat, and with the ball in all three phases, for the three-time finalists.

In other news, Tara Norris has also abandoned UP Warriorz due to national commitment. Norris has been included in the USA’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal, which runs from January 18 to February 1, therefore directly clashing with the WPL. UPW have announced uncapped Australian all-rounder Charli Knott as the replacement.

RCB & DC announce replacements

RCB have signed Indian all-rounder Sayali Satghare at her base price of 30 Lakhs, but the void left on the team by Perry’s exclusion cannot be filled. Satghare, who previously played for Gujarat Giants, has played four matches in the WPL, scoring 20 runs and taking just one wicket.

Meanwhile, DC have roped in Australian leg-spinner Alana King at her base price of INR 60 lakh, to replace fellow Australian Sutherland.

RCB’s schedule

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their WPL 2026 campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians on January 9, at the DY Patil Stadium.

They play three more games in Navi Mumbai, and then travel to Vadodara for the second leg of the competition. Their final group game will be against UP Warriorz on January 29.

Complete Schedule:

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