The Women’s Premier League auction, held on December 15, proved to be an exciting event, with franchises engaging in intense bidding wars to secure top players for their squads. A total of 19 players were acquired for a combined expenditure of ₹9.05 crore. Among the standout moments of the day was Simran Shaikh’s record-breaking deal. Previously part of the UP Warriorz, Shaikh became the highest-paid player in the auction when the Gujarat Giants secured her services for an impressive ₹1.90 crore, reflecting her growing stature in the league.
Another major highlight of the auction was Uttarakhand leg-spinner Prema Rawat, who attracted a bid of ₹1.20 crore from Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The team further bolstered its lineup by signing players like Joshitha VJ, Jagravi Pawar, and Raghvi Bist, showcasing their commitment to building a formidable squad for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals made significant moves by acquiring hard-hitting batter Nandini Kashyap, Scotland’s wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce, and Niki Prasad, the captain of the Women’s U19 team. These additions underscore the Capitals’ focus on assembling a team that blends international experience with young domestic talent.
The auction also saw notable player transfers and strategic acquisitions. Nadine de Klerk, who was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru last season, will now play for Mumbai Indians under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur. The move is expected to strengthen MI’s all-round capabilities. Australian leg-spinner Alana King, known for her performances with the Perth Scorchers, was picked by the UP Warriorz, adding depth to their spin attack. However, in a surprising turn of events, Sneh Rana, who captained the Gujarat Giants in the inaugural season, went unsold, leaving fans and analysts speculating about her future in the league.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained their core players, including captain Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, and Sophie Devine, while making targeted additions during the auction to address specific team needs. Mumbai Indians, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, retained a strong roster featuring stars like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, and Saika Ishaque, and supplemented it with the signings of G Kamalini, Nadine de Klerk, and others. Delhi Capitals, already boasting a solid lineup with the likes of Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues, further reinforced their squad with young talent and experienced international players.
UP Warriorz retained their key players, including Alyssa Healy, Sophie Ecclestone, and Deepti Sharma, while adding impactful players like Alana King to their ranks. Gujarat Giants made the boldest moves of the auction, not only signing Simran Shaikh but also securing high-profile names like Deandra Dottin and Danielle Gibson. Their aggressive bidding strategy demonstrated their intent to build a championship-winning team.
The auction reflected a clear strategy by all teams to strike a balance between experienced international players and emerging domestic stars. The inclusion of young players like Prema Rawat and Niki Prasad, alongside seasoned performers like Nadine de Klerk and Alana King, highlights the league’s emphasis on nurturing talent and promoting competitiveness. The record-breaking bids and the intense competition among franchises underline the growing significance of women’s cricket in the global sports landscape. The season ahead promises thrilling action as the teams, strengthened by their new acquisitions, prepare to showcase their prowess on the field.
