The Women’s Premier League’s inaugural season has begun on Saturday, March 4. Last month in Mumbai, the first-ever WPL Auction occurred, and Smriti Mandhana was the most expensive player, signing with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹3.4 crores. Additionally, Ashleigh Gardner was chosen by Gujarat Giants (GG) for ₹3.2 crores.
Many of the players participating in the tournament recently took part in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, where Australia won their sixth title as they defeated hosts South Africa. England’s Natalie Sciver will be representing Mumbai Indians in WPL, who purchased her for ₹3.2 crores in a bidding war. Jemimah Rodrigues, who had a brilliant T20 World Cup, was acquired by Delhi Capitals (DC) for ₹2.2 crores.
The league stage of the Women’s Premier League will see all five franchises—MI, RCB, DC, GG, and UP Warriorz—play four home and four away matches. At the end of this phase, the top three teams will move on to the next round, with the first-placed team securing a direct spot in the final. Meanwhile, the third and fourth-placed sides will have to play an Eliminator match to determine who will qualify for the final.
5 overseas players who will do great at the WPL
Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals)
Creator: Matthew Lewis | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2019 Getty Images
Meg Lanning is currently the leader of the Australian T20 team and has led them to their sixth title. She is ranked fourth on the ICC T20I Batting Rankings and generally bats at No. 3, providing stability and aggression at the crease. With her ability to bat anywhere, she will be a key asset for the Delhi Capitals. Her experience as a five-time World Cup-winning captain should be invaluable during the Women’s Premier League.
Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants)
Creator: Cameron Spencer | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2020 Getty Images
Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner is currently the No. 1 T20I all-rounder in the world and was one of the joint most expensive overseas players at the WPL auction. She recently earned the title of “Player of the Tournament” at the Women’s T20 World Cup, scoring 110 runs and taking ten wickets during the tournament. Her prowess as an aggressive middle-order batter and off-break bowler makes her a formidable force for the Gujarat Giants.
Ellyse Perry (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Creator: Hanna Lassen Copyright: 2020 Getty Images
Ellyse Perry is currently ranked No. 9 on the T20 all-Rounder Rankings and has been an essential part of the Australian team. She has scored 1535 T20I runs at a solid average and has taken 122 wickets. Her experience, wicket-taking ability, and formidable batting skills will be a major asset to the Royal Challengers Bangalore lineup.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians)
Creator: Ryan Hiscott | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2022 Getty Images
Natalie Sciver-Brunt is an important addition to the top order of Mumbai Indians. She is currently ranked No. 10 as a T20 batter and No. 5 as a T20 all-rounder, making her the most expensive purchase for MI in the auction. With her exceptional batting skills and medium-pace bowling, she will be a formidable asset to the team.
Sophie Ecclestone (UP Warriorz)
Creator: James Chance Copyright: 2021 Getty Images
Sophie Ecclestone is currently the No. 1 T20 bowler in the world and is renowned for her precise and economical slow left-arm spin. She was the highest wicket-taker at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, taking 11 wickets. As the most expensive overseas buy for the UP Warriorz, she will be a valuable addition to the team—not only for her bowling but also for her long-hitting abilities.
