The second edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Auction 2024 Highlights, held today, lived up to its hype with some intense bidding battles and several exciting outcomes. Over 150 players went under the hammer, showcasing the growing talent pool in women’s cricket.
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 buys. The most expensive players were Indian Vrinda Dinesh, Shabnim Ismail, and Phoebe Litchfield who went for INR 1 CR Plus. Other notable players who fetched high bids included Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Meg Lanning.
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WPL Auction 2024 Highlights: Fierce Bidding Wars and Uncapped Stars ShineStars Fetch Record Bids
One of the biggest stories of the day was the emergence of uncapped players, who grabbed significant attention from the franchises. Uncapped India bowler Kashvee Gautam became the most expensive buy of the auction, with Gujarat Giants acquiring her services for a staggering Rs. 2 crore. This record-breaking bid highlighted the immense potential of young talent in Indian cricket. Other uncapped players like Pooja Vastrakar and Richa Ghosh also attracted hefty bids, indicating a shift towards recognizing young talent.
WPL Auction 2024 Highlights: Experienced Players Remain in Demand
While uncapped stars stole the show, established players remained in high demand. Smriti Mandhana, the Indian opening batter, was once again the most expensive player, being snapped up by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs. 1.8 crore. Other senior players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Alyssa Healy also fetched impressive bids, demonstrating their continued value in the league.
WPL Auction 2024 Highlights: Franchises Build Balanced Squads
The auction witnessed a strategic approach from franchises as they aimed to build well-rounded squads. Teams focused on acquiring players across different skill sets, ensuring a balanced mix of experience and youth. The emphasis on all-rounders and wicketkeeper-batters was evident, indicating a tactical shift towards adaptability and flexibility.
WPL Auction 2024 Highlights: Player Highlights
- Kashvee Gautam: Uncapped Indian bowler bought by Gujarat Giants for a record Rs. 2 crore
- Smriti Mandhana: Most expensive player overall, bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs. 1.8 crore
- Harmanpreet Kaur: Indian captain bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 1.6 crore
- Deepti Sharma: All-rounder bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs. 1.5 crore
- Alyssa Healy: Australian wicketkeeper-batter bought by UP Warriorz for Rs. 1.4 crore
Overall, the WPL Auction 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the growing interest and excitement surrounding the league. The emergence of uncapped stars, the continued demand for experienced players, and the strategic approach by franchises highlighted the evolving landscape of women’s cricket. With a strong talent pool and passionate fan base, the WPL is set to become a major force in the world of cricket.
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.
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