WPL 2024 Auction | The Players Who Might Break the Bank

image-lpsdqaazChamari Athapaththu might be a good pick in the WPL auction (Source: x.com)

The much-anticipated Women's Premier League (WPL) auction for the 2024 season is scheduled to take place on December 9 in Mumbai, as officially revealed by the BCCI. A notable 165 players have thrown their hats into the ring for the auction, creating a dynamic mix of talent from both India and overseas. 

The list includes 104 Indian players and 61 international players, with 15 hailing from associate nations. The auction itself holds significant importance as it will determine the composition of the five participating teams. In total, there are 30 available slots, and out of these, nine spots are specifically reserved for overseas players.

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As the franchises gear up for the bidding war, the financial dynamics of each team come into play. The Gujarat Giants emerge as the frontrunners in this regard, entering the auction with the most substantial salary cap of Rs. 5.95 crore. On the other end of the spectrum, the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, find themselves with the smallest purse, standing at Rs. 2.1 crore.


WPL Auction's Most-Wanted Players

Chamari Athapaththu

After an outstanding performance in the recently concluded WBBL, Chamari Athapaththu is likely to attract the attention of several teams in the WPL auction. Her ability to make significant contributions with both bat and ball, coupled with extensive T20 experience, makes her a sought-after player. 

In 2023, she showcased her form by amassing 833 runs in 21 innings at an impressive average of 43.8 and a strike rate of 130.6. Additionally, her bowling skills saw her claim 21 wickets. The Gujarat Giants, with available slots in the batting department, may consider her a valuable addition to strengthen their lineup.


Annabel Sutherland

A consistent performer in the WBBL, Annabel Sutherland's dual ability with bat and ball makes her a noteworthy player. In the 2023 season, she scored 316 runs in 18 innings and proved to be a reliable bowling option with 26 wickets. Her all-round capabilities could make her a strategic pick for any team in the WPL auction.


Georgia Wareham

Another Australian all-rounder, Georgia Wareham, brings a wealth of experience and a strong performance record. In 2023, she demonstrated her skills by scoring 405 runs in 22 innings, complemented by 26 wickets in the bowling department. Such all-round proficiency positions her as a valuable addition to any team participating in the WPL.


Phoebe Litchfield

The talented left-handed batter from Australia, Phoebe Litchfield, is poised to be a vital player at the top order for any team. In 2023, she has scored 757 runs in 30 innings at an average of 29 and an impressive strike rate of 131.7. Her ability to provide a solid foundation at the top makes her a promising addition to any team's batting lineup.


Devika Vaidya

Although Devika Vaidya had a challenging season in the previous year of the WPL, being released by UP Warriors presents a fresh opportunity. Capable of contributing with both bat and ball, Vaidya aims for redemption after scoring 77 runs in 7 innings last season. Her all-round potential could make her a valuable.


Conclusion

In summary, the upcoming WPL 2024 auction will be competitive as teams eye for standout players like Chamari Athapaththu, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Phoebe Litchfield, and Devika Vaidya. These players bring diverse skills and experiences to the table, making them sought-after choices. The auction is expected to influence team strategies and set the stage for an exciting WPL season, with a mix of seasoned players and rising talents ready to make an impact.