With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) returning on January 9, 2026, fans will see not only established stars but also several prominent overseas players making their first appearances in India’s T20 tournament. These players come in with substantial credentials from world-class batting exploits to elite bowling records and explosive franchise success and their inclusion promises to shape the narrative of WPL 2026. Here are top overseas players that will be debuting in WPL 2026.
Lizelle Lee – Delhi Capitals
South African batting powerhouse Lizelle Lee arrives in the WPL as one of the most destructive top-order hitters in global women’s cricket. Lee has enjoyed a stellar franchise career, particularly in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), where she has scored over 2,700 runs in 104 matches at an average of around 30 with an ability to accelerate from the outset and dominate bowling attacks. She holds the record for the highest individual score in WBBL history 150* off 75 balls she struck 12 sixes in that innings, the most ever in a WBBL knock. Lee also has 5 centuries and 14 half centuries in WBBL with a formidable strike rate, making her a feared presence at the top of the order globally.
Internationally, Lee carved out an impressive resume with South Africa, amassing 1,896 runs in 82 T20Is at a strike rate above 110 and also scored significant runs in ODI cricket. Her experience and power hitting make her a major asset for Delhi Capitals, where she can provide explosive starts and unsettle opposition bowlers early in the innings.
Lauren Bell – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
England’s pacer Lauren Bell brings serious wicket-taking potential to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowling attack. Previously associated with UP Warriorz in the 2025 season, she is yet to make her debut in WPL. A growing force in white-ball cricket, Bell has taken 50 wickets in 36 T20 Internationals (T20Is) at an impressive average of 18.34, showcasing her ability to strike consistently with genuine pace and bounce.
Bell’s international numbers are supported by strong bowling performances in other franchise competitions, including topping the wicket charts in The Hundred 2025 with 19 dismissals, highlighting her knack for breakthroughs in pressure situations. Known for her height and ability to generate seam movement, Bell adds variety and aggression to RCB’s pace unit, especially with the new ball.
Nicola Carey – Mumbai Indians
Australia’s all-rounder Nicola Carey is set to make her WPL debut for Mumbai Indians, bringing balance and experience to the middle-order and seam bowling group. Carey’s international career includes contributions with both bat and ball, and she has been a consistent performer in Australia’s domestic T20 circuit. Carey has 147 wickets and 1847 runs in the WBBL with six half centuries, illustrating her value as a multi-dimensional player.
Her ability to bowl tight overs while chipping in with useful runs adds depth to Mumbai’s squad, particularly at the death and in transitional phases of the innings. Carey’s adaptability makes her a smart pick for Mumbai as they look to fortify their all-round options for the WPL.
Linsey Smith – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith brings guile, control and international experience to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling attack. Smith has been a reliable performer in domestic and international cricket, and she made headlines during the 2025 international season when she produced a five-wicket haul 5/36 on her ODI debut for England, a rare and standout achievement for any bowler.
Smith’s ability to maintain tight lines and extract spin makes her particularly effective in middle overs where control is paramount. Her tactical awareness has been honed through appearances in The Hundred (42 wickets in 37 outings) and the WBBL (33 wickets in 34 outings), and she will offer RCB a steady spin option capable of both stifling runs and making crucial breakthroughs.
Milly Illingworth – Mumbai Indians
Teenage quick Milly Illingworth represents one of the most exciting young bowling talents entering WPL 2026 on debut for Mumbai Indians. In the recently concluded WBBL season, she featured for Melbourne Renegades and scalped 9 wickets in 10 matches, including the best of 3/19.
Illingworth’s pace, athleticism and potential for variations make her a compelling prospect in T20 cricket, where batters are often looking to take risks. Her growth trajectory suggests she could be one of the breakout stars of the WPL season if given consistent opportunities in key bowling phases.
Lucy Hamilton – Delhi Capitals
Emerging Australian pacer Lucy Hamilton will make her WPL debut for Delhi Capitals, adding a fresh dimension to their pace attack. Hamilton was impressive in the 2024-25 WBBL season, where she picked 12 wickets at an economy of 5. Her left-arm pace and bounce, attributes that translate well to subcontinental conditions.
Though still early in her career, Hamilton’s ability to unsettle batters with pace and awkward angles gives Delhi an intriguing option, particularly when seeking early breakthroughs or bowling in challenging powerplay periods.
Together, these six debutants underline how the WPL continues to expand its global footprint while raising the standard of competition. Each of them brings a different skill set to the tournament. Their performances will not only shape their teams’ campaigns but also influence how franchises approach squad building in future seasons.
As WPL 2026 unfolds, these new faces will be closely watched, not just for impact, but for how seamlessly they adapt to one of the most demanding stages in women’s T20 cricket.
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