Annabel Sutherland. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
The mini-auction for the 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) took place in Mumbai on Saturday, December 9. The five franchises filled a maximum of 30 spots to complete their 18-player quota, with five players securing a place in the crorepathi club. Let’s take a glimpse at the top five most expensive players in the mini auction.
Annabel Sutherland, a promising 22-year-old Australian all-rounder, was the most expensive purchase in the 2024 WPL mini-auction. The intense bidding war unfolded between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, starting at a base price of INR 40 lakh. Delhi initiated the bidding, prompting Mumbai Indians to join the fray. The competition reached a remarkable INR 1.9 crore before the Delhi team raised the bid to INR 2 crore, ultimately securing the talented Aussie player. Sutherland, coming off an impressive Women’s Big Bash League campaign with the Melbourne Stars, promises to be a valuable addition to last year’s runners up.
Another standout in the auction was Kashvee Gautam, a 20-year-old Punjab all-rounder, who became the joint-most expensive buy. She was sold to Gujarat Giants for INR 2 crore, 20 times her base price of INR 10 lakh. She etched her name in the history books becoming the most expensive uncapped player in the history of WPL. Gautam, primarily a seamer with a powerful batting ability, will join a squad featuring world-class players like Alyssa Healy, Sophie Ecclestone, and Deepti Sharma, among others.
Vrinda Dinesh, a 22-year-old from Karnataka, emerged as the second-highest uncapped earner, fetching a staggering INR 1.3 crore from UP Warriorz. Initially drawing interest from Gujarat Giants, UP Warriorz, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Dinesh was ultimately roped in by UP to strengthen their batting resources.
Defending champions Mumbai Indians secured the services of the legendary South African speedster Shabnim Ismail in a notable acquisition. In a three-way battle with RCB and Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians secured the veteran for a significant sum of INR 1.2 crore, becoming the third-most expensive buy at the auction. The 35-year-old’s inclusion adds quality and depth to Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack as they aim to defend their title in WPL 2024.
Phoebe Litchfield, known for her explosive batting, was the first pick in the WPL 2024 auction. Following a spirited tussle between UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants, the Aussie was eventually secured by Gujarat for INR 1 crore, the fourth-most expensive buy. The left-handed batter, who set a record for the fastest fifty in a women’s T20I, brings her exceptional skills to the tournament after an impressive campaign in The Hundred with the Northern Superchargers.