The Women’s Premier League (WPL) Auction 2024 concluded with remarkable bidding wars and notable signings. This year, the auction spotlighted the growing global appeal of women’s cricket, with franchises vying to secure top talent. Here’s a rundown of the seven most expensive players who made headlines.
Kashvee Gautam – Rs 2 Crore (Gujarat Giants)
Amid expectations of young Kashvee Gautam attracting interest from multiple teams, not many would have been optimistic enough to have predicted a Rs 2 crore price for the 20-year-old all-rounder. But to secure her services, that is what Gujarat Giants had to fork out.
Annabel Sutherland – Rs 2 Crore (Delhi Capitals)
The decision to not retain Annabel Sutherland for only Rs 70 lakh backfired for Gujarat Giants, as the Australian all-rounder will now be seen donning the blue and red of Delhi Capitals, who spent Rs 2 crore to sign her.
Vrinda Dinesh – Rs 1.30 Crore (UP Warriorz)
Vrinda Dinesh is another uncapped Indian player who sparked a bidding war in today’s auction. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Giants were the two teams who were initially bidding for the 22-year-old batter before UP Warriors stole the show with a Rs 1.30 crore bid.
Shabnim Ismail – Rs 1.20 Crore (Mumbai Indians)
Shabnim Ismail got only three opportunities whilst playing for UP Warriors last season, but we can expect to see her a lot more frequently in WPL 2024, considering Mumbai Indians shelled Rs 1.20 crore to sign her, fending off Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Phoebe Litchfield – Rs 1 Crore (Gujarat Giants)
Phoebe Litchfield is only 20 years of age but was among the only five players who secured an eight-figure contract in today’s auction. The first player to be sold, Litchfield found bids from Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, but the former emerged as winners with a Rs 1 crore bid.
Ekta Bisht – Rs 60 Lakh (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Ekta Bisht was not a part of the inaugural edition of the WPL, but having done the inconceivable by rejuvenating her career at 37 years of age, she will be representing Smriti Mandhana’s Royal Challengers Bangalore next season
Georgia Wareham – Rs 40 Lakh (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Despite fewer bidders than anticipated, Georgia Wareham still emerged as a prominent figure in the WPL Auction 2024, securing the title of the seventh most expensive player. She was acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore with a substantial bid of Rs 40 lakh, underlining her valued presence in the league despite the unexpected bidding turnout.
The 2024 WPL Auction was a testament to the rising prominence and competitiveness of women’s cricket. These top players, with their exceptional skills, are poised to elevate the level of competition and entertainment in the upcoming WPL season, underscoring the league’s role in transforming women’s cricket on a global stage.
