The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to undergo a roster shakeup ahead of its third season in early 2025. Several prominent cricketers, including Sneh Rana, Poonam Yadav, and Lea Tahuhu, have been released by their respective franchises.
Gujarat Giants, who have struggled in the WPL’s first two seasons, have parted ways with Rana, Tahuhu, and Kathryn Bryce. Rana, an all-rounder who captained the Giants in the first season, has struggled in the WPL, averaging just 6.71 with the bat and 52.16 with the ball. Tahuhu, a veteran New Zealand pacer, played only two games for the Giants in 2024.
Delhi Capitals, the WPL’s two-time runners-up, have released legspinner Poonam Yadav. Once a mainstay of the Indian team, Yadav hasn’t played international cricket since 2022 and didn’t feature in the WPL last season.
Mumbai Indians have also made some changes, releasing Fatima Jaffer, Humaira Kazi, Priyanka Bala, and Issy Wong. However, they have retained their core of international stars, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Amelia Kerr, and Hayley Matthews.
UP Warriorz, who reached the playoffs in the first season but finished fourth in 2024, have released Parshavi Chopra, Laxmi Yadav, S Yashasri, and Lauren Bell.
These roster moves indicate that the WPL is becoming increasingly competitive, with teams looking to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. The auction, likely to be held in early December, will provide franchises with an opportunity to acquire new talent and bolster their rosters.
