The Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction for its second season is set for December 9, 2023, in Mumbai, featuring five teams—Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz—seeking to complete their squads from a pool of 165 registered players.
With only nine slots available, the demand for overseas players might be limited, but the bulk of the significant signings are expected from this pool. Chamari Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan captain who remained unsigned in the inaugural edition, has been in stellar form, particularly shining in the WBBL in Australia. Danni Wyatt also bolstered her case with a crucial innings for England against India in the recent T20I in Mumbai.
Among the surprising releases was South African speedster Shabnim Ismail. Despite her calibre, she had limited opportunities due to UP Warriorz having a well-established overseas lineup last season. This time around, she might find a team that can optimise her talents more effectively. Additionally, the auction might also witness some interest around the retired yet potential game-changer, Deandra Dottin, and Kim Garth, both entering the auction with the highest base price of Rs. 50 lakhs.
List of notable players who are expected to attract attention during the 2024 WPL Auction:
DEANDRA DOTTIN
Deandra Dottin, with a base price of Rs. 50 Lakh, left fans puzzled last season due to her absence despite being signed by Gujarat Giants for Rs. 60 Lakh. The West Indian all-rounder is renowned for her pace bowling, explosive batting, and exceptional fielding skills, making her a coveted addition to any team.
DANNI WYATT
English T20 specialist Danni Wyatt, who went unsold last season, has showcased her worth with a pivotal 47-ball 75 in the first T20I against India. Her record 150th T20I featured her as the first English player to achieve this milestone, displaying her consistent performance with 2,602 T20I runs, including two centuries and 13 fifties.
KIM GARTH
An Australian fast bowler who formerly represented the Irish women’s team, has set her reserve price at Rs 50 Lakhs for this auction. In the previous season of the WPL, she featured for Gujarat Giants, emerging as their top wicket-taker with a total of 11 wickets. Notably, five of these wickets were claimed in her debut match against UP Warriorz. Considering her impactful performance, there’s a possibility that Gujarat Giants might aim to reacquire her services to strengthen their bowling attack.
ALANA KING
Australian spinner Alana King, available for a base price of Rs. 30 Lakh, emerges as a quality spin option. With a tally of 21 wickets in 22 international matches and an impressive performance in the Women’s Big Bash League, she stands out as a valuable asset for teams seeking a reliable spinner.
SHABNIM ISMAIL
Despite retiring from international cricket, Shabnim Ismail’s fierce pace remains an attraction in franchise tournaments. Signed by UP Warriorz last season for Rs. 1 CR, she showcased her bowling prowess with 123 wickets in 113 international matches, bringing her WBBL experience with the Hobart Hurricanes into the auction.
CHAMARI ATHAPATHTHU
Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu, a dynamic all-rounder, stands out for her explosive batting and spin bowling abilities. With a strong showing in the WBBL, amassing 552 runs and nine wickets, she promises to be a quality addition to any Women’s Premier League team.
Notable Indian Players in WPL 2024 Auction:
Among the Indian contingent, rising talent Mannat Kashyap, who impressed at the U19 World Cup, stands without a team and should attract interest. Meanwhile, uncapped talents like left-arm spinner Prakashika Naik from Mumbai and hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batswoman Uma Chetry might draw attention. Additionally, all-rounder Devika Vaidya, despite a subdued previous campaign, could prove valuable at the right price, alongside other promising uncapped players like leg-spinner Prakashika Naik from Mumbai and Karnataka’s Vrinda Dinesh.