Even as the Women’s T20 World Cup was going on in South Africa, on 13th February 2023, all eyes were firmly on Mumbai. Why? It was a landmark day for women’s cricket as it was the day for the inaugural player auctions for the Women’s Premier League launched by the BCCI. Sometime back the BCCI had announced that like the Men’s IPL, there will be Women’s IPL as well. The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to be played in Mumbai from 4th – 26th March, 2023. A total of 22 matches will be played at the Brabourne Stadium & D.Y. Patil Stadium. BCCI held the inaugural Women’s Premier League Players Auction on 13th February 2023 in Mumbai. 448 players have made it to the final list for the WPL Player Auction. Out of these, 269 are from India, 179 are overseas. 

There are 5 franchises in the WPL: 

• Mumbai Indians

• Royal Challengers Bangalore

• Gujarat Giants

• Delhi Capitals

• UP Warriorz

The 5 franchises spent a total of Rs 59.50 crore to buy 87 players. India's opener and Vice Captain, Smriti Mandhana was bought for a sum of Rs. 3.40 crore by the RCB. Mandhana, was the costliest player in the WPL auction. The Indian team, currently in South Africa for the Women’s T20 World Cup, were left ecstatic. Screams and hooting continued throughout the bidding process with her teammates shouting “badhao badhao” increase the bidding amount] at the TV screens as an intense bidding war broke out between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Cheers followed when Mandhana was finally sold to RCB for INR 3.4 crore. England all-rounder Natalie Sciver-Brunt was roped in by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 3.2 crore. Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner was picked by Gujarat Giants for Rs. 3.20 crore. 

Tags

• WPL
• women
• Cricket
• IPL
• BCCI
• Auction

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