Women's Premier League 2025 Auction: All You Need to Know
The much-anticipated Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 Auction is set to take place on Sunday, December 15, in Bengaluru. A total of 120 players will be up for grabs, as the five franchises strategize to finalize their squads for the upcoming season. With a mix of experienced players, emerging talents, and uncapped prospects, the auction promises excitement for fans and teams alike.
Player Pool Breakdown
The auction pool comprises 91 Indian players and 29 international stars, including three promising talents from Associate Nations. Out of the total, 30 players are capped, featuring 9 Indian and 21 overseas players. The remaining 90 are uncapped, with 82 Indian and 8 international players.
As most franchises have retained their core players, only 19 slots are available for bidding, including 5 for overseas players. This limited availability is likely to increase competition among franchises for top talents.
Marquee Players
This year’s auction features several marquee players, including India’s Tejal Hasabnis and Sneh Rana, along with international stars like Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Heather Knight (England), Lauren Bell (England), Kim Garth (Australia), Orla Prendergast (Ireland), and Danielle Gibson (England). These players, alongside other notable names, are expected to spark bidding wars among the franchises.
Franchise Budgets
Here’s a look at the available purse for each franchise ahead of the auction:
- Delhi Capitals: Rs. 2.5 crore
- Gujarat Giants: Rs. 4.4 crore
- Mumbai Indians: Rs. 2.65 crore
- UP Warriorz: Rs. 3.9 crore
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rs. 3.25 crore
The Gujarat Giants lead the pack with the largest budget, providing them with more flexibility in bidding for top players, while other teams will need to balance their limited resources strategically.
Auction Schedule and Broadcast Details
- Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
- Venue: Bengaluru, India
- Time: The auction will begin at 3 PM IST, with live streaming coverage starting 30 minutes earlier.
Fans can tune in to the broadcast to witness the action as teams compete to secure their desired players and bolster their squads.
What to Expect from the Auction
With limited slots and a high concentration of talent, franchises will need to make calculated decisions to fill their remaining gaps. The presence of international stars and emerging players adds an interesting dynamic to the bidding, as teams aim to strike a balance between seasoned performers and young prospects.
Key areas of focus will include all-rounders, power-hitters, and death-over specialists, with marquee names likely to draw intense bidding. Teams such as Gujarat Giants, with a larger budget, may go for marquee players, while others may prioritize uncapped players to maximize their available funds.
The Road Ahead for WPL 2025
The WPL has grown significantly since its inception, offering a platform for domestic and international talent to showcase their skills. This year’s auction is another milestone in shaping competitive and entertaining cricket for fans worldwide. As teams finalize their rosters, the focus will soon shift to the league matches, where the battle for the championship will begin.
Stay tuned for live updates and insights as the auction unfolds and sets the stage for another thrilling season of the Women’s Premier League.
