WPL 2025 Mini Auction: 120 Players Set to Go Under the Hammer

Auction Pool Overview
Of the 120 players registered, 82 are uncapped Indians, while eight are uncapped overseas players. The limited slots—just 19 in total, including five for overseas players—mean teams will need to bid strategically to bolster their squads.

Franchise Budgets and Requirements

• Gujarat Giants: With the largest purse of Rs 4.4 crore, Gujarat Giants have four slots to fill, including two overseas players.
• UP Warriorz: They have Rs 3.9 crore and need three players, including one overseas.
• Mumbai Indians: With Rs 2.65 crore, Mumbai needs four players but cannot add another overseas player.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): They hold Rs 3.25 crore and require four players, though no slots remain for overseas talent.
• Delhi Capitals: With Rs 2.5 crore, Delhi also needs four players and has the option of adding one overseas player.

Marquee Players to Watch
The auction list features several marquee players who are expected to attract significant interest:

• Sneh Rana (India): With a base price of Rs 30 lakh, she is likely to be a key attraction for teams needing an experienced all-rounder.
• Deandra Dottin (West Indies): Despite not featuring for Gujarat Giants in the first edition, Dottin, priced at Rs 50 lakh, is back in contention.
• Heather Knight (England): Knight, with a base price of Rs 50 lakh, is another top name returning after opting out of the second WPL auction.

However, notable exclusions include England’s Issy Wong, who claimed the first-ever hat-trick in the competition, and New Zealand’s Leah Tahuhu. Wong was released by her franchise ahead of the third season, making her absence from this auction surprising.

What to Expect from the Auction
With a high concentration of talent and limited slots, the mini-auction is expected to see intense bidding wars, particularly for marquee players and versatile all-rounders. Teams like Gujarat Giants, with their sizeable purse, are in a strong position to secure top-tier players, while others must adopt a more tactical approach to maximize value within their budgets.

WPL Auction Details

• Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
• Venue: Bengaluru, India
• Time: The auction begins at 3 PM IST, with live streaming starting at 2:30 PM IST.

Looking Ahead to WPL 2025
The Women’s Premier League continues to grow in stature, providing a platform for top domestic and international talents to showcase their skills. This auction will play a pivotal role in shaping the rosters ahead of what promises to be another exciting season of women’s cricket. Fans and teams alike will be eagerly anticipating the outcomes as strategies unfold in the auction room.