WPL Auction 2024 Unveils Cricketing Drama: High-Stake Bidding Wars, Surprises, and Mega Signings Shape the Future of Women's Premier League Teams

In the electrifying atmosphere of the WPL Auction 2024 in Mumbai, a total of 165 players, featuring 61 overseas talents, are eagerly anticipated to go under the hammer. The stakes are high as franchises vie for the best signings, with only 30 slots available, including nine for overseas players. The auction witnessed significant moves, including Gujarat Giants securing the services of Australia's Phoebe Litchfield for a whopping INR 1 crore, making her the first pick in set 1.

Delhi Capitals made a statement with a blockbuster bid of INR 2 crore to acquire the Australian star Annabel Sutherland. The mini-auction showcases a mix of 56 capped and 109 uncapped players, each awaiting their fate in the bidding war.

Notable absentees from the auction include West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin, with the highest reserve price of ₹50 lakh, and Ireland’s Kim Garth, both remaining unsold. The spotlight shifts to rising Indian stars like Vrinda Dinesh, Uma Chetry, Kashvee Gautam, Mannat Kashyap, and Gautami Naik, who stand as uncapped talents seeking a new home in the Women's Premier League.

Gujarat Giants, determined to rebound from their previous season's wooden spoon finish, enter the mini-auction with a substantial purse of INR 5.95 crores and 10 available slots. In contrast, defending champions Mumbai Indians hold a budget of INR 2.1 crores, allowing them to fill up to 5 slots in their squad. Royal Challengers Bangalore boast the second-largest purse at INR 3.35 crore, providing them with seven slots to reshape their team. The burning question remains: which franchise will break the bank for the most expensive signing in the WPL mini-auction?

Amidst the unfolding drama, notable players like Priya Mishra find new homes, with Gujarat Giants securing her services for INR 20 lakh. On the flip side, players such as Parunika Sisodia, Sunanda Yetrekar, Sonam Yadav, and Amisha Bahukhandi remain unsold.

The surprises continue as USA star Tara Norris, the only associate player in WPL, fails to attract any bids. Similarly, Aditi Chauhan, Komalpreet Kaur, Komal Zanzad, Haorungbam Chanu, Rekha Singh, and Norris face disappointment in set 9.

As the auction progresses to set 8, the spotlight shifts to all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, who becomes the center of a bidding war between UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants. With a base price of INR 10 lakh, Gautam's value soars to a staggering INR 2 crore, making her a prized acquisition for the Giants.

A brief respite allows a glimpse into the remaining purses for all five WPL teams before set 8:

1) GG - INR 4.55

2) UPW - INR 2.4

3) RCB - INR 2.05

4) DC - INR 0.15

5) MI - INR 0.9

The auction sees Aparna Mondal joining Delhi Capitals at her base price of INR 10 lakh, while players like Sarah Bryce, Theertha Satish, and Shivali Shinde go unsold.

In set 6, Trisha Poojitha secures a spot with Gujarat Giants for INR 10 lakh, while players like Jasia Akhter, Arushi Goel, Ridhima Aggarwal, Simran Shaikh, and G. Divya remain unsold, setting the stage for set 7.

Uncapped batter Vrinda Dinesh emerges as a hot property, with UP Warriorz winning the bidding war at a hefty sum of INR 1.3 crore. RCB signs Ekta Bisht for INR 60 lakh, beating Gujarat Giants in the process.

The auction takes an exciting turn as Mumbai Indians, RCB, and GG engage in a bidding war for fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, with Mumbai securing her services for a whopping INR 1.2 crore.

However, not all players find takers, as Lea Tahuhu and Kim Garth, both slotted in the 50 lakh top bracket, go unsold, surprising many in the cricketing world. The unfolding drama at the WPL Auction 2024 leaves fans eagerly anticipating the final outcomes and the composition of each team for the upcoming season.