5 Players Who Might Go Unsold At WPL 2024 Auction
WPL 2024 auction is set to take place on December 9 in Mumbai (Twitter)
Mumbai is set to host the highly anticipated Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 auction on Saturday which is just a few hours from now. In a significant reshuffle ahead of the league's second edition, all five franchises have released players who couldn't make a mark in the inaugural T20 tournament. A staggering 165 players are ready to go under the hammer in this crucial event.
The auction pool has 56 capped players, bringing a wealth of international experience to the table. Teams are gearing up to fill a total of 30 vacancies, with each franchise keen to assemble a squad capable of T20 glory. Gujarat Giants lead the pack with 10 slots available, signalling a major overhaul in their strategy. Meanwhile, RCB is looking to fill 7 spots, Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz each have 5 vacancies, and the Delhi Capitals are set to choose 3 new players.
As the franchises prepare for the WPL 2024 auction, their objective is clear: to attract top talent for the upcoming season. However, the fate of some players remains uncertain, as recent performances may deter bidders.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 players who might go unsold at WPL 2024 auction.
5. Ekta Bisht
Ekta Bisht (Twitter)
Ekta Bisht, renowned as one of the finest left-arm orthodox spinners of her era, was a cornerstone in the Indian team during the early 2010s. Her spin bowling was instrumental in many of India's key performances, marking her as a prime spinner in the team. However, in recent years, Bisht has found herself outside the central scheme of Indian cricket. This shift is largely attributed to the rise of young talent within the team. Additionally, her advancing age is a factor that franchises might consider when forming their lineups.
4. Marufa Akter
Marufa Akter (Twitter)
Hailing from Bangladesh, Marufa Akter is a skilled medium-pace bowler with a notable talent. Despite her abilities, Akter's experience at the highest level of the sport remains somewhat constrained. Bangladesh's limited cricket interactions with leading teams like England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have restricted her exposure to top-tier play. This lack of experience against the world's elite could pose a challenge for Akter in the WPL, known for featuring some of the best players globally.
3. Erin Burns
Erin Burns (Instagram)
Australian all-rounder Erin Burns, who was acquired by RCB for Rs. 30 lakh in the previous auction, faced a tough season. Given only a single opportunity, Burns' performance was underwhelming. In her debut against UP Warriorz, batting at number seven, she managed just 12 runs off nine balls. Subsequently, RCB decided to release her, making her available for the upcoming auction. Burns' struggle wasn't confined to the WPL. Her form in the 2023 WBBL was also concerning. Representing Sydney Sixers, she scored a modest 152 runs across 14 matches, with a strike rate of only 103.40. Her bowling figures didn't offer much relief either, claiming just one wicket in four innings at a high economy rate of 9.87.
2. Chinelle Henry
Chinelle Henry (ICC)
West Indies batter Chinelle Henry faces a tough road ahead, possibly landing in the unsold category due to her recent batting struggles. In the WCPL 2023 representing Barbados Royals, Henry's performance was lacklustre in her four appearances as she managed to score only 39 runs, averaging a modest 19.50. The challenging phase continued during her tour in Australia for three Women's T20 Internationals (WT20Is). This string of poor performances may deter potential buyers in the upcoming auction, as franchises often seek players who are in top form and can make an immediate impact.
1. Tammy Beaumont
Tammy Beaumont (Twitter)
After being overlooked in the WPL 2023 auction, England's seasoned WT20I cricketer Tammy Beaumont is gearing up for another shot in the 2024 auction. In her T20I career, Beaumont has accumulated 1721 runs across 83 innings in 99 matches at strike rate of 108.37. Her recent stint with Melbourne Renegades in the 2023 WBBL was not as fruitful as expected. Opening the batting, Beaumont couldn't make a significant mark, amassing only 296 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of 119.35 and an average of 21.14. This performance, combined with her overall WT20I statistics, might not position her as a top pick among WPL franchises.
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