harmanpreet kaur

Harmanpreet Kaur not picked at WBBL 2024 draft

​In a surprising turn of events that left many cricket fans reeling, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur was not picked by any team during the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 draft held recently.​ Known for her explosive batting and exceptional leadership, Harmanpreet has been a key figure in women’s cricket and her absence from the lineup has raised eyebrows across the sports community. While the snub has been a bitter pill to swallow for her supporters, there is a silver lining as six other talented Indian players, including the likes of Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, have secured spots for the upcoming season.

As a passionate follower of cricket, witnessing Harmanpreet’s unpicked status was disheartening. I have admired her journey since she burst onto the scene, leading India to historic victories and leaving a lasting legacy in women’s sports. It seems almost unfathomable that such a celebrated player, with her skills and accomplishments, couldn’t find a team in this competitive draft. Yet, as disappointed as I feel for her, I am equally thrilled for the six Indian players who were selected.

The excitement surrounding the inclusion of Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma, among others, showcases India’s burgeoning talent pool in women’s cricket. These athletes have proven their mettle on the international stage and will undoubtedly make an impact in the WBBL. I can’t help but feel a sense of pride knowing that while one superstar faces this setback, others are stepping up to carry the banner for Indian cricket.

In moments like these, the resilient spirit of sports shines through. Harmanpreet has shown time and time again that she is more than just a player, she is a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers. This experience, while challenging, may serve as an opportunity for growth. I truly believe that her dedication and passion for the game will pave the way for her to bounce back stronger.

As we gear up for the WBBL 2024 season, my anticipation grows for the thrilling matches that lie ahead. I can already picture the electric atmosphere as the selected Indian players showcase their skills on an international platform. Even without Harmanpreet, I am optimistic that this season will bring exciting cricket and remarkable stories of resilience and triumph.

WBBL Draft Preview: Teams Eye Key Signings to Bolster Squads

WBBL Draft Preview: Teams Eye Key Signings to Bolster Squads

The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) draft is set to take place on September 1, and teams are eagerly preparing to bolster their squads. Here’s a comprehensive look at the pre-draft signings, retention options, and potential targets for each club:

Adelaide Strikers:

* Pre-draft signing: Smriti Mandhana
* Retention rights: Georgia Adams, Laura Wolvaardt
* Draft picks: 6, 14, 22, 27

The Strikers have secured the services of Indian superstar Smriti Mandhana and are expected to retain Laura Wolvaardt. They may seek a middle-order allrounder to complement their strong batting lineup.

Brisbane Heat:

* Pre-draft signing: Nadine de Klerk
* Retention rights: Bess Heath
* Draft picks: 7, 15, 18, 31

With several key departures, the Heat will prioritize replacing Amelia Kerr’s all-round abilities. They may also target a top-order batter to support Grace Harris and Georgia Redmayne.

Hobart Hurricanes:

* Pre-draft signing: Lizelle Lee
* Retention rights: Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith
* Draft picks: 1, 9, 24, 25

The Hurricanes have secured Lizelle Lee and will use their top pick to acquire a top-four batter. They may also seek an additional pace bowler to strengthen their attack.

Melbourne Renegades:

* Pre-draft signing: Hayley Matthews
* Retention rights: Eve Jones, Harmanpreet Kaur
* Draft picks: 3, 11, 19, 30

The Renegades have made significant domestic signings but may still target a top-order batter and an allrounder to complement their strong bowling unit.

Melbourne Stars:

* Pre-draft signing: Marizanne Kapp
* Retention rights: Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley
* Draft picks: 4, 12, 21, 28

The Stars have a strong pace-bowling unit but may seek a high-quality frontline spinner. They may also target another top-order batter to support Meg Lanning.

Perth Scorchers:

* Pre-draft signing: Sophie Devine
* Retention rights: Amy Jones, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt
* Draft picks: 8, 16, 17, 32

The Scorchers may opt for a similar batting-heavy approach as last year, having secured Sophie Devine. They may also consider strengthening their bowling department.

Sydney Sixers:

* Pre-draft signing: Amelia Kerr
* Retention rights: Suzie Bates, Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Linsey Smith
* Draft picks: 2, 10, 23, 26

The Sixers have added Amelia Kerr’s all-round abilities and may seek another spinner. They may also target a top-order batter to supplement Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry.

Sydney Thunder:

* Pre-draft signing: Chamari Athapaththu
* Retention rights: Heather Knight
* Draft picks: 5, 13, 20, 29

The Thunder have secured Heather Knight but may seek another frontline bowling option. They may also target a middle-order hitter to complement Taneale Peschel.

BBL and WBBL Drafts Set for September 1: Everything You Need to Know

BBL and WBBL Drafts Set for September 1: Everything You Need to Know

The BBL and WBBL drafts are set to take place on September 1, where the eight clubs in each competition will secure overseas players for the 2024-25 season. The draft process has undergone significant changes this year, with clubs now allowed to pre-sign one overseas player before the draft.

Draft Order and Rounds:

The draft order was determined by a weighted lottery based on last season’s finishing positions. In the WBBL, Hobart Hurricanes have the first pick, while Perth Scorchers have the last. In the BBL, Melbourne Stars will have the first pick, and Sydney Sixers will have the eighth.

The draft consists of four rounds, with each round featuring different player categories:

* Round 1: Platinum players
* Round 2: Platinum and Gold players
* Round 3: Gold and Silver players
* Round 4: Silver and Bronze players

Pre-Signed Players and Retention:

Clubs have already taken advantage of the new pre-signing rule, with all eight clubs securing at least one overseas player before the draft. These pre-signed players will be allocated to a specific round based on the value of their contract.

Each club also has one retention pick, which can be used to retain a player who played for the club the previous season or who was signed last year but did not play.

Player Availability:

The WBBL and BBL seasons have been reduced to 40 games each, which has impacted player availability. The WBBL starts just seven days after the T20 World Cup, and there are various bilateral cricket series scheduled during the competition.

In the BBL, most pre-signed players have committed to a full season, but some players drafted in the draft itself may leave early due to commitments to other T20 leagues.

Player Salaries:

Players are divided into four price bands based on their value:

* WBBL:
* Platinum: $110,000
* Gold: $90,000
* Silver: $65,000
* Bronze: up to $40,000
* BBL:
* Platinum: $360,000-$420,000
* Gold: $300,000
* Silver: $200,000
* Bronze: up to $100,000

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