On Saturday, India’s all-rounder Kashvi Gautam became the most expensive uncapped player in the auction for WPL 2024. Gujarat Giants, RCB, and UP Warriors placed substantial bids for the player, but in the end, Gujarat Giants successfully acquired the player for ₹2 crores. In the auction for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland remains the most expensive foreign player so far. After a bidding war against Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals secured Sutherland for ₹2 crores, as Gujarat Titans had the maximum slots to fill in the WPL 2024 auction.
WPL 2024 Acution:
The WPL auction for 2024 featured representatives from five teams: Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indies, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriors, who presented some competitive bids.
Indian batter Vrinda Dinesh also showcased an impressive performance in the auction, attracting interest from several teams. Eventually, UP Warriors bought her for ₹1.3 crores. Gujarat Titans, with the maximum slots to fill, selected another high-priced player, Phoebe Litchfield, for ₹1 crore.
South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail garnered significant interest from franchises, with Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indies engaged in tough competition for her. Ismail eventually went to defending champions Mumbai Indies for ₹1.2 crores.
Kashvi Gautam’s Comeback:
During the previous year’s WPL auction, fast bowler Kashvi Gautam remained unsold. However, the young player did not let this setback affect her game, worked on her pace, and sought continuous feedback from team scouts. Despite not making an impact in domestic cricket, her consistent performance in the Women’s T20 Trophy this year, where she maintained an impressive economy rate of 4.14, taking 12 wickets in seven matches, showcased her skills.