Bengaluru: In a surprising turn of events, England women’s cricket captain Heather Knight, along with several other notable players, went unsold during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction held on Sunday. This auction, which is a key event for the India-based league, saw a mix of high-profile buys and unexpected omissions.
Key Players Missed Out
Among the players who did not find a new home were bowlers Lauren Bell and Sarah Glenn, as well as batters Maia Boucher, Sophia Dunkley, and Paige Scholfield. Additionally, fast bowler Lauren Filer and powerful South African hitter Lizelle Lee also remained unsold, highlighting the competitive nature of the auction.
Notable Purchases
Despite some high-profile players not being picked, the Gujarat Giants emerged as the most active team in the auction. They successfully signed all-rounder Danielle Gibson for approximately £28,000, marking a significant addition to their squad. Furthermore, the Giants made headlines by acquiring uncapped Indian all-rounder Simran Shaikh for an impressive £178,000, along with West Indies star Deandra Dottin for £158,000.
Head coach Michael Klinger expressed enthusiasm about Shaikh’s potential, stating, “We’ve been watching the local competitions closely, the T20s and the Challengers. She stands out in terms of her hitting power and strike rate, and complements the other local Indian players we’ve got in the squad.”
Exciting Signings and Retentions
Other notable signings during the auction included 16-year-old all-rounder G Kamalini, who was picked by Mumbai Indians for £158,000, and spinner Prema Rawat, who joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru for £118,000.
Last month, several England stars were retained by their respective teams. Alice Capsey will continue with Delhi Capitals, Nat Sciver-Brunt remains with Mumbai Indians, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Kate Cross have been retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Sophie Ecclestone will play for UP Warriorz in the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 WPL season is set to kick off on 21 February, culminating in the final on 16 March. As teams finalize their rosters and strategies, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches and the performances of both retained and newly acquired players.
With the competitive landscape of women’s cricket evolving, the WPL continues to be a significant platform for showcasing talent and fostering growth in the sport. As for Knight and the unsold players, their future remains uncertain, but their skills and experience will undoubtedly be sought after in upcoming competitions.