The Women’s Premier League is coming and the excitement is palpable! BCCI generated a massive INR 4,669.99 crore from the sale of five teams. Adani Sportsline set a record with their INR 1,289 crore purchase of the Ahmedabad team, while Indiawin Sports Pvt. Ltd bought the Mumbai team for INR 912.99 crore and Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited bought the Bengaluru team for INR 901 crore. JSW GMR Cricket Private Limited took over Delhi team for INR 810 crore and Capri Global Holdings Private Limited acquired Lucknow Team for INR 757 crore. Viacom18 bought the media rights of WPL for INR 951 crore for five years. Each franchise will have a purse of INR 12 crore to spend at the player’s auction. With the ability to purchase a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 18 players, including up to five overseas players, the WPL is gearing up for an exciting auction.
So who will be the top buys at the WPL auction? Let’s take a look at our predictions for the Top 7 buys:
1. Harmanpreet Kaur (INR 5 crore)
The Indian Women’s team skipper is a powerful batter with close to 3000 T20I runs and 3322 in ODIs. Known for her big-hitting skills and experience, she is expected to be one of the most dangerous batters in the league and likely to be the most expensive buy.
2. Smriti Mandhana (INR 4.5 crore)
This Indian Women’s opener is a standout performer with a fantastic T20I record of 2651 runs in 111 matches and over 3000 runs in 77 ODIs. Mandhana is known for her consistency and quick scoring ability, making her one of the major draws at the WPL auction.
3. Ashleigh Gardner (INR 4 crore)
Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner is a top-ranked all-rounder and a mega draw in T20 leagues. With 1066 runs and 43 scalps in 67 matches, she has proven herself as a game-changer with both bat and ball. Expect the WPL franchises to be lining up for Gardner.
4. Deepti Sharma (INR 3.5 crore)
The Indian all-rounder is a highly experienced member of the Indian women’s team with 86 T20I matches under her belt. Deepti is known for her impressive batting and bowling skills and will definitely be among the top buys at the WPL auction.
5. Sophie Ecclestone (INR 3 crore)
Arguably the best left-arm spinner in T20I cricket, England’s Sophie Ecclestone will be a sought-after player at the WPL auction. With her impressive T20I record, Ecclestone is sure to bring her A-game to the league.
6. Alyssa Healy (INR 2.5 crore)
Australia’s Alyssa Healy is a top-ranked wicket-keeper and a valuable asset to any team. With her impressive T20I record and experience, she is sure to be in high demand at the WPL auction.
7. Megan Schutt (Rs 2 crore)
Australia’s Megan Schutt is a top-ranked bowler and a valuable addition to any team. With her impressive T20I record and experience, Schutt is sure to be a top pick at the WPL auction.
The Women’s Premier League is shaping up to be an exciting event with some of the best players in the game set to showcase their skills. Who will your top picks be?
