The Women’s Premier League has started with a bang. The first-ever auction which commenced today, saw a host of female cricketers go under the hammer. Among them, India’s opening batter Smriti Mandhana has become the most expensive buy of the Women’s Premier League. The southpaw was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹ 3.4 crores.
Join us in welcoming the first Royal Challenger, Smriti Mandhana! 😍
Welcome to RCB 🔥#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #WPL2023 #WPLAuction pic.twitter.com/7q9j1fb8xj
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2023
Smriti Mandhana triggered a bidding war between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both the franchisees were fighting it out, with the bids crossing ₹ 3 crores before Mumbai gave in.
Harmanpreet Kaur, on the other hand, was bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹ 1.80 crores. New Zealand’s Sophie Devine was secured by RCB for her base price of ₹ 50 lakhs.
So far, the second most expensive players in the auction were Ashleigh Gardner and Nat Sciver. While Gujarat Giants got Ashleigh Gardner for ₹ 3.2 crores, Nat Sciver was sold to Mumbai Indians at the same amount. Australia’s star all-rounder Ellyse Perry went to RCB at ₹ 1.7 crores. England’s Sophie Ecclestone was acquired by UP Warriorz for ₹ 1.8 crores.
The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League is set to be played in Mumbai from March 4 to March 26, 2023. A total of 22 matches will be played, with the Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Stadium playing hosts to the marquee tournament.
