Meg Lanning retained by Delhi Capitals ahead of WPL auction

Meg Lanning’s Indian T20 franchise has made a call on the inaugural captain as a host of Australians vie for a big payday.

Meg Lanning has been retained by her Indian T20 franchise Delhi Capitals in a sign the batting great will continue to play cricket next year.

Lanning was one of nine Australians to be retained for the second season of the Women’s Premier League as a host of other stars, including Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland, put themselves forward for a potential six-figure payday at the December 9 auction.

It comes after the former Australian captain withdrew from the Melbourne Stars’ final three WBBL games for personal reasons, with no timeline set on her return.

Lanning announced her immediate retirement from international cricket last month but said she would play on for Victoria and the Melbourne Stars, where she is contracted for another two WBBL campaigns.

Meg Lanning (right) enjoys a chat with Alyssa Healy before their sides met during the inaugural season of the WPL. Picture: BCCI

The 31-year-old, who captained Delhi in the inaugural WPL season, is set to rejoin the side along with Brisbane Heat pair Jess Jonassen and Laura Harris.

Six of the 15 Australians who played in last year’s tournament were released by their franchises ahead of the auction, including Sutherland, Georgia Wareham and Kim Garth.

Only nine international player spots remain up for grabs, with 17 Australian players nominated for the auction among a pool of 165.

Garth, the former Irish quick who was named player of the series when Australia thrashed the West Indies in three T20 games in October, nominated for the highest price bracket of 50 lakh ($A90,000) along with only one other player – West Indian star Deandra Dottin.

Sydney Thunder left-hander Phoebe Litchfield looms as the most sought after Australian player at Saturday’s WPL auction. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Litchfield could be in line for a six-figure payday after displaying her versatility with a series of explosive innings at No.6 against the West Indies, while Melbourne Stars left-arm spinner Sophie Day nominated for the lowest base price (about $18,000) and could be scooped up after she was the leading WBBL wicket-taker.

Fellow spinners Alana King and Amanda-Jade Wellington have also nominated and could attract clubs.

Ash Gardner and Beth Mooney were retained by the Gujarat Giants, while Ellyse Perry will continue at Royal Challengers Bangalore.

WBBL-winning captain Tahlia McGrath, Alyssa Healy and Grace Harris will all reunite with the Uttar Pradesh Warriorz.

Originally published as Meg Lanning retained by Delhi Capitals ahead of WPL auction