• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Weve Got A Massive Sophia Dunkley Explains Why She Opted Out Of Wpl 2024

'We've Got A Massive...' Sophia Dunkley Explains Why She Opted Out Of WPL 2024

image-lpsj6nnlSophia Dunkley in action for Gujarat Giants during WPL 2023 (BCCI)

England international Sophia Dunkley, mere days prior to her side’s high-profile T20I series in India, has explained why she opted herself out of the forthcoming auction of 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.

The cricketer represented the Gujarat Giants franchise in the inaugural edition of the tournament played out earlier this year in Mumbai. Months following the conclusion of their disastrous campaign, Dunkley became one of the 11 cricketers to be released by the franchise ahead of WPL 2024 auctions.

Dunkley reveals why she opted out of the WPL 2024 auction

Currently in India for England’s T20I and Test fixtures against the hosts, 25-year-old batting prodigy Sophia Dunkley has explained why she did not register her name for the WPL 2024 auction. During an interview with ESPNCricinfo, the cricketer said that opting out of the auction was a difficult decision to make considering the amazing time she had at the Gujarat Giants camp during WPL 2023 this year.

She added that England team is bound for a 'massive international year' and to be in the best 'mental place' for her country, she decided to take a break from a WPL season. Dunkley claimed that she will indeed be making a return to the lucrative Indian T20 tournament soon if given an opportunity down the line.

“I loved my time at the WPL last year and I had an amazing time at Gujarat Giants and a lot of special memories there I think the WPL's an incredible competition. I'd 100 per cent love to go back and play again if I get another opportunity in the future," Dunkley told ESPNCricinfo.

"I just think to me this year we've got a massive international year and, mentally and physically, to be in the best place for that I think to not go into the auction is the best decision for me. To work on my game and to be in the best position to play for England is my priority really."

As of now, Sophia Dunkley is bracing herself along with the rest of her English teammates for their much-awaited T20I series against hosts India. The first match of the series will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on December 6.

The venue will also host the subsequent two fixtures on December 9 and December 10 respectively. Following the conclusion of their three T20I matches, the two sides will travel to DY Patil Stadium for a one-off four-day Test match between December 14 and December 17 next week.