The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently unveiled a revolutionary initiative aimed at transforming the landscape of women’s cricket in the country – the introduction of the Women’s Indian Premier League (WPL).
By launching this league, which is also referred to as the Women’s Premier League, the BCCI hopes to not only foster the growth of cricket in India but also provide female cricketers with greater financial opportunities, an area in which they have historically lagged behind their male peers. This groundbreaking move is sure to have a significant impact on the future of women’s cricket in India, and perhaps even on the global stage.
On the 13th of February, the Jio Convention Center in Mumbai hosted the auction for the 2023 Women’s IPL. Franchises engaged in fierce bidding to acquire their preferred players from a pool of 448 talented individuals from across the globe. As we delve into the details of this historic event, we take a closer look at the highest-priced players in the Women’s IPL.
Top 5 Women’s IPL Most Expensive Players 2023
Smriti Mandhana
In the 2023 Women’s IPL auction, Smriti Mandhana, the brilliant opening player for the Indian women’s team, was the costliest buy. She was the first player up for bidding, and nearly every team vied to have her join their ranks.
However, Royal Challengers Bangalore emerged victorious in the bidding war, purchasing her for a staggering INR 3.4 Cr. With Mandhana on board, RCB didn’t just acquire a seasoned and talented batter, but also a leader who could serve as their team captain.
Ashleigh Gardner
Ashleigh Gardner, a cricketer hailing from Australia and aged 25, has secured the second position on the prestigious list of most expensive players in the Women’s IPL. The Delhi Capitals have made a smart buy by acquiring the services of this elegant all-rounder for a whopping sum of INR 3.2 Cr.
Gardner’s dual skills of off-spin bowling and devastating batting prowess have made her a hot property among various franchises. Her abilities promise to bring balance to the team.
Natalie Sciver
Natalie Sciver, a quick-bowling all-rounder from England, has secured the third position in the Women’s IPL as the most expensive player. Her impressive batting skills, combined with her effective medium-fast bowling, make her a sought-after player for any T20 team.
In the inaugural WPL, Sciver will represent Mumbai Indians, earning a handsome sum of INR 3.20 Cr. She is considered a trailblazer in the sport.
Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma, a crucial member of the Indian Women’s team, has cemented her position as one of the most highly-valued players in the Women’s Indian Premier League (WPL). The UP Warriorz have recognized Deepti’s outstanding talent by offering her a staggering salary of INR 2.6 Crores.
This is a testament to her exceptional left-handed batting skills and remarkable wicket-taking abilities as an off-spin bowler. As a trusted asset to her team, Deepti’s inclusion in the UP-based WPL squad underscores the importance of investing in female athletes and promoting gender equality in sports.
Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues, a rising star in the Indian women’s cricket team, recently made headlines for her staggering INR 2.2 crore contract with the Delhi Capitals, making her the fifth most expensive player in the Women’s IPL.
Her impressive performance just a day before the auction certainly played a significant role in this feat, as she scored an unbeaten 53 runs off just 38 balls against rival team Pakistan in the group stage of the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup.
This remarkable display of skill and talent undoubtedly caught the attention of potential buyers, leading to her record-breaking deal. Jemimah’s talent and hard work have made her a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket, and it will be exciting to see how she continues to shine on the field.
| Player | Price (INR) | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana (IND) | ₹3.4 Cr | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Ashleigh Gardner (AUS) | ₹3.2 Cr | Gujarat Giants |
| Natalie Sciver (ENG) | ₹3.2 Cr | Mumbai Indians |
| Deepti Sharma (IND) | ₹2.6 Cr | UP Warriorz |
| Jemimah Rodrigues (IND) | ₹2.2 Cr | Delhi Capitals |
| Beth Mooney (AUS) | ₹2.0 Cr | Gujarat Giants |
| Shefali Verma (IND) | ₹2.0 Cr | Delhi Capitals |
| Richa Ghosh (IND) | ₹1.9 Cr | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
FAQ’s
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana is regarded as one of the most talented female cricketers in the world. She is the most expensive player in the Women’s Indian Premier League (IPL), commanding a price of INR 3.4 crore. This is a testament to her exceptional skills and abilities on the cricket field.
