A 12-year-old cricketer has emerged as one of the standout stories from the inaugural Women’s Andhra Premier League (WAPL) player auction, with Shanmukha Priya joining Rayalaseema Zen Stars ahead of the tournament scheduled to begin in September.
Shanmukha Priya, listed as an all-rounder, was picked by Rayalaseema for ₹30,000, according to the published auction squad list. Her selection puts the spotlight on the opportunities the new state-level franchise tournament could create for young female cricketers in Andhra Pradesh.
The auction was conducted in Vijayawada on August 25 as four franchises assembled their squads for the first edition of the WAPL.
Who is Shanmukha Priya?
Shanmukha Priya is listed in the Rayalaseema Zen Stars squad as an all-rounder. At 12, she was one of the youngest players involved in the WAPL auction.
Rayalaseema acquired her for ₹30,000, alongside a squad featuring players including Vemulapati Setu Sai, Ellutla Padmaja and India cricketer Nallapu Reddy Sree Charani.
While reports have described Shanmukha Priya as the youngest player at the auction, comprehensive official age records for every auction participant were not publicly available in the sources reviewed. Her reported age of 12 therefore makes her selection particularly noteworthy, but broader claims about records across franchise cricket should be treated cautiously.
Henrietta Flavia Pereira Commands ₹4.30 Lakh
While Shanmukha Priya attracted attention for her age, Henrietta Flavia Pereira was the biggest financial story of the auction.
Godavari Golden Eagles secured the all-rounder for ₹4.30 lakh, the highest widely reported purchase price from the auction.
Rayalaseema Zen Stars also made significant acquisitions, including Vemulapati Setu Sai for ₹2.10 lakh and Ellutla Padmaja for ₹2 lakh. India player Sree Charani joined the franchise for ₹1.10 lakh.
Four Teams to Compete in Inaugural WAPL
The first Women’s Andhra Premier League will feature four franchises:
- Amaravati E Champions
- Rayalaseema Zen Stars
- Vizag Fire Birds
- Godavari Golden Eagles
A total of 191 players registered for the league ahead of the auction.
According to an ACA press release cited in media reports, 45 of the registered cricketers were placed in Grade A, covering players with India, Women’s Premier League, state senior or Under-23 experience. Another 146 were in Grade B, comprising district and zonal-level players.
Published reports differ, however, on the final number of players selected at the auction, with figures ranging from 74 to 80. Until a definitive consolidated figure is confirmed by the organisers, the total should be treated as unsettled.
Mithali Raj is WAPL Brand Ambassador
Former India captain Mithali Raj has been named brand ambassador for the Women’s Andhra Premier League.
Her association gives the inaugural competition a prominent connection to Indian women’s cricket as the Andhra Cricket Association seeks to develop a stronger pathway for female players in the state.
The franchise format could give emerging cricketers an opportunity to share teams and dressing rooms with more experienced state, WPL and India-level players.
When and Where Will WAPL 2026 Be Played?
The inaugural WAPL is scheduled to be played from September 15 to September 26, 2026, at the ACA Stadium in Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh.
The competition follows the Andhra Cricket Association’s efforts to expand franchise cricket in the state and provides a dedicated platform for women’s players.
For young cricketers such as Shanmukha Priya, the league offers an opportunity to gain competitive exposure at an unusually early stage of their careers.
Why Shanmukha Priya’s Selection Matters
Shanmukha Priya’s inclusion is significant beyond the auction price.
A 12-year-old earning a place in a franchise squad alongside senior and more experienced players illustrates the breadth of talent being considered by WAPL teams.
The more important test will come when the competition begins: how franchises use young players, what opportunities they receive on the field, and whether the league develops into a sustainable pathway between junior, district, state and higher-level women’s cricket.
With the first matches scheduled for September 15, attention will now shift from the auction table to Mangalagiri.
FAQs on WAPL 2026 Auction
What is the Women’s Andhra Premier League?
The Women’s Andhra Premier League, or WAPL, is a women’s franchise T20 cricket competition organised in Andhra Pradesh. Its inaugural edition is scheduled for September 2026.
How old is Shanmukha Priya?
Reports around the WAPL auction identify A. Shanmukha Priya as a 12-year-old cricketer.
Which WAPL team bought Shanmukha Priya?
Rayalaseema Zen Stars selected Shanmukha Priya.
What was Shanmukha Priya’s auction price?
The published Rayalaseema squad list records her price at ₹30,000.
Who was the costliest player at the WAPL auction?
Henrietta Flavia Pereira was acquired by Godavari Golden Eagles for ₹4.30 lakh, the highest reported price at the auction.
When will WAPL 2026 begin?
The tournament is scheduled to run from September 15 to September 26, 2026, at the ACA Stadium in Mangalagiri.
Conclusion on WAPL 2026 Auction
The inaugural WAPL auction has created a new competitive platform for women’s cricket in Andhra Pradesh, and the selection of 12-year-old Shanmukha Priya is among its most striking developments. With four franchises, established players and emerging youngsters in the competition, the focus now moves to Mangalagiri when the tournament begins on September 15.
Follow our sports coverage for the latest updates from WAPL 2026 and Andhra cricket.
Disclaimer: Details are based on information available as of August 26, 2026. Published reports differ on the final number of players bought at the WAPL auction.