The Women’s Premier League (WPL) Auction 2024, held on December 9, 2023, in Mumbai, India, was a grand affair that showcased the immense talent and potential of women’s cricket. The auction saw a total of 165 players go under the hammer, with 104 Indians and 61 overseas players from 15 different countries vying for the coveted spots in the five WPL franchises.
The auction was a thrilling event, with teams aggressively bidding for the top players. The two most expensive players were West Indies’ Deandra Dottin and Australia’s Kim Garth, both of whom went for INR 50 lakh (approximately USD 63,000). Other notable players who fetched high bids included Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Meg Lanning.
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The auction also highlighted the growing popularity of women’s cricket. The event was broadcast live on various platforms, and social media was abuzz with discussions about the auction. The BCCI, the governing body of cricket in India, expressed satisfaction with the auction, stating that it was a “success” and that it would further boost the growth of women’s cricket in India and around the world.
The WPL is scheduled to take place in February-March 2024, and the auction has certainly set the stage for an exciting and competitive season. With the top players from around the world now part of the WPL, fans can expect to witness some high-quality cricket and witness the growth of women’s cricket reaching new heights.
Mumbai Indians won the First Edition of WPL
The inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) culminated in a thrilling final on March 26, 2023, with Mumbai Indians emerging victorious over Delhi Capitals. The match, held at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, India, witnessed a captivating display of cricketing talent and strategic brilliance, leaving the audience enthralled.
Mumbai Indians, captained by the experienced Harmanpreet Kaur, entered the final with a strong track record throughout the tournament. Their consistent performance, coupled with their ability to adapt to different conditions, made them a formidable force. Delhi Capitals, led by the equally astute Meg Lanning, presented a formidable challenge, boasting a lineup of world-class players.
The final match commenced with Delhi Capitals winning the toss and opting to bat first. Despite a steady start, their batting innings faltered, with the team managing to post a modest total of 131 for nine wickets. Meg Lanning, with her contribution of 35 runs, was the top scorer for Delhi Capitals.
In response, Mumbai Indians approached their chase with a calculated approach, avoiding any reckless strokes. Nat Sciver-Brunt, the star all-rounder, played a pivotal role in their pursuit of the target, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 60 runs off 55 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur also contributed a valuable 37 runs, ensuring Mumbai Indians’ victory by seven wickets.
The victory marked a remarkable achievement for Mumbai Indians, solidifying their position as one of the most successful franchises in Indian cricket. The team’s performance throughout the tournament showcased their ability to adapt and overcome challenges, making them worthy champions of the inaugural WPL.
The success of the WPL 2023 has undoubtedly paved the way for a brighter future for women’s cricket. The tournament has not only provided a platform for talented female cricketers to showcase their skills but has also garnered immense fan support, raising the profile of the sport and inspiring the next generation of female cricketers.
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