The Women’s Premier League’s inaugural season held its player auction on February 13, which saw T20 stars from all over the world going under the hammer. With each of the five franchises starting with INR 12 crore, they did not shy away from spending big to sign their preferred players. Some of the top cricketers caught the attention of many teams in the bidding arena.
As the WPL schedule has been released, and the T20 extravaganza is all set to begin on March 4, let’s take a look at the players who received the most bids at the recently concluded auction.
WPL 2023 Auction: 6 Players Who Stole the Limelight with Multiple Bids
Nat Sciver-Brunt
One of the players who attracted a lot of attention was Nat Sciver-Brunt. She has been a reliable name in the international arena, having scored 3009 runs and taken 65 wickets at an economy of 4.46 in 94 ODIs. In the shortest format, she has accumulated 2135 runs in 107 games and claimed 79 scalps at an economy of 6.45.
During the auction, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz were interested in signing Sciver-Brunt. In the end, Mumbai Indians won the bid, securing her services for a staggering sum of INR 3.2 crore.
Ashleigh Gardner
Ashleigh Gardner is known for her aggressive batting and has often been a nightmare for bowling attacks. She is also a valuable asset with the ball for the Australian women’s cricket team. In 71 T20Is, Gardner has scored 1116 runs at a strike rate of 131.44 and has taken 50 wickets at an economy of 6.23.
Given her talent, Mumbai Indians, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants were keen to acquire her services. However, it was the Gujarat franchise that managed to secure her signature by bidding a whopping sum of INR 3.2 crore. Gardner’s ability to change the game with both bat and ball made her a highly sought-after player at the auction.
Tahlia McGrath
Tahlia McGrath has emerged as a rising star in international cricket with her impressive performances. The 27-year-old all-rounder has been known for her aggressive approach with the bat, which has helped her team turn the game in their favour. Additionally, she has proved to be a smart customer with the ball, often chipping in with crucial wickets.
McGrath has scored 357 runs in 22 ODIs at a strike rate of 92.24 and has picked up 17 wickets at an economy of 5.09. In T20Is, she has smashed 614 runs in 25 matches at a strike rate of 142.79 and picked up 13 wickets at an economy of 7.53.
At the WPL auction, several franchises, including Gujarat Giants, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz, were keen to have her in their squads. Ultimately, the UP franchise managed to secure her services for a sum of INR 1.4 crore. The team will be hoping that McGrath delivers the goods and helps them climb to the top of the WPL points table in the upcoming T20 extravaganza.
Marizanne Kapp
Marizanne Kapp is renowned for her all-round skills, having showcased her flamboyant stroke play to dismantle bowling line-ups around the world. In addition, she is known for providing timely breakthroughs with the ball. With 2367 runs in 129 ODIs at an average of 30.34 and 147 wickets at an economy of 3.81, ODI cricket has been Marizanne’s happy hunting ground. She has also performed exceptionally well in T20 cricket, having scored 1140 runs in 92 matches and taking 74 wickets at an economy of 5.43.
Given her match-winning abilities, UP Warriors, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Giants were all interested in signing the South African all-rounder at the WPL 2023 auction. In the end, the Delhi Capitals secured her services for INR 1.5 crore, and fans will be eager to see her contribute to their team’s success in the upcoming T20 extravaganza.
Harmanpreet Kaur
Harmanpreet Kaur is a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s cricket. With her powerful batting and leadership skills, she has led the Indian women’s cricket team to many victories. In the 50-over format, she has scored 3322 runs in 124 matches at an average of 38.18. In T20Is, she has scored 3006 runs in 150 matches at an average of 27.83.
Harmanpreet is also a handy bowler and has played the role of a sixth bowler for India. Many teams such as Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and UP Warriorz were interested in acquiring her services, but it was Mumbai Indians who managed to sign her for INR 1.8 crore.
Deepti Sharma
The accomplished Deepti Sharma has established herself as a reliable player in the international cricket scene. She has demonstrated her skills in bowling by consistently delivering accurate lines and lengths and taking wickets at frequent intervals. Additionally, she has proven to be an excellent batswoman, playing several match-winning innings for the Indian team.
Deepti has an impressive record, having scored 1891 runs in 80 ODIs at an average of 36.36 and claimed 91 wickets with an economy rate of 4.18. In the shortest format of the game, she has scored 921 runs in 91 matches at a strike rate of 106.10 and secured 101 wickets at an economy rate of 6.15.
With her ability to contribute to both batting and bowling, Deepti is a valuable asset to any team. As a result, she was in high demand during the recent WPL auction, with teams like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz fiercely competing to secure her services. Ultimately, the UP franchise succeeded in signing her for INR 2.6 crore.
Also, see:
Alyssa Healy to lead UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) T20
