Introduction
The much-awaited Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 Auction is all set to take place on December 15 in Bengaluru. With 120 players up for grabs and only 19 vacant slots available, the competition is bound to be intense. Among the big names on the list are Deandra Dottin, Heather Knight, and Sneh Rana, making this auction one to watch.
Out of the 120 players, 91 are Indian (including 9 capped players) and 29 are overseas stars, with a maximum of five overseas slots available across all teams. The stage is set for an exciting showdown as teams look to strengthen their squads for the upcoming WPL 2025 season.
Star Players to Watch Out For
1. Deandra Dottin (Overseas – West Indies)
Deandra Dottin is one of the most explosive all-rounders in women’s cricket. Known for her hard-hitting abilities, she has set her reserve price at the highest slab of INR 50 lakh (around $60,000). Teams will be eager to have a player of her caliber, as she can change the game in a matter of overs.
2. Heather Knight (Overseas – England)
Released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Heather Knight brings both experience and leadership to the table. Her ability to control the middle order and guide young players makes her a valuable addition to any team.
3. Sneh Rana (India – All-Rounder)
Sneh Rana, who was released by Gujarat Giants (GG), is one of the most sought-after Indian players in the WPL 2025 Auction. Her all-round capabilities and experience in high-pressure games make her a strong contender to be picked up by any of the five teams.
4. Lizelle Lee (Overseas – South Africa)
South African cricketer Lizelle Lee is known for her power-packed batting at the top of the order. Her ability to give a flying start makes her a valuable asset. With a base price of INR 50 lakh, she will undoubtedly be a popular pick during the auction.
5. Mansi Joshi, Poonam Yadav, and Other Notable Indian Players
Apart from big names like Sneh Rana, several other Indian players will be looking to make a mark, including Mansi Joshi, Poonam Yadav, Tejal Hasabnis, and Shubha Satheesh. Each of these players has something unique to offer, and teams will be eyeing them for specific roles in their squads.
Overseas Players to Watch
International players will add a global flair to the auction. Some of the top overseas players to watch include:
- Lauren Bell (England, Released by UP Warriorz)
- Sarah Glenn (England)
- Sophia Dunkley (England)
- Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia)
- Alana King (Australia)
- Kim Garth (Australia) – Formerly part of the WPL
- Nadine de Klerk (South Africa) – Formerly part of the WPL
Players from Associate Nations like UAE’s Samaira Dharnidharka and Theertha Satish, along with Sarah Bryce from Scotland, will also be part of the auction pool, offering teams a chance to tap into emerging talent.
Team Vacancies and Requirements
Each of the five teams has limited slots to fill, which increases the level of competition. Here’s a breakdown of team-wise vacancies:
| Team | Total Slots | Overseas Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | 4 | 1 |
| Gujarat Giants (GG) | 4 | 2 |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 4 | 1 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 4 | 0 |
| UP Warriorz (UPW) | 3 | 1 |
With only 19 slots available and 5 overseas slots up for grabs, every selection will be crucial. Teams will need to strike the perfect balance between experience and emerging talent to build a winning squad.
Players with INR 50 Lakh Base Price
The highest reserve price of INR 50 lakh has been set for the following key players:
- Deandra Dottin (Overseas – West Indies)
- Heather Knight (Overseas – England)
- Lizelle Lee (Overseas – South Africa)
These players are likely to spark intense bidding wars as teams look to secure high-impact performers.
When and Where is the Auction Happening?
- Date: December 15, 2024
- Location: Bengaluru, India
The live auction is expected to be full of surprises as teams jostle to sign key players. Fans can expect to see dramatic bidding wars, especially for high-profile names like Dottin, Knight, and Rana.
What to Expect from the WPL 2025 Season?
With the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) led by Smriti Mandhana, all eyes will be on RCB to see if they can defend their title. Other teams like Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Giants (GG), Mumbai Indians (MI), and UP Warriorz (UPW) will be looking to strengthen their squads and topple RCB from the top.
The WPL 2025 Auction will play a major role in determining team compositions and overall strength. Each team’s strategy and auction decisions will directly impact the season’s success.
Conclusion
The WPL 2025 Auction is shaping up to be an exciting event, with top players like Dottin, Knight, and Rana leading the charge. With only 19 slots to fill and a pool of 120 players, it’s going to be a highly competitive auction. Fans can expect plenty of action, drama, and surprises as teams try to build a winning squad.
Mark your calendars for December 15 and stay tuned for live coverage of the WPL 2025 Auction. Which player will your favorite team sign? Let us know in the comments!
