The first Women’s Premier League (WPL 2023) auction did not alter from previous ones, as the Indian Premier League (IPL) has done over the years. Even while many of the events followed predictable patterns, several of the decisions nonetheless astounded commentators and fans. For instance, the franchises flat-out disregarded a few elite international players who were predicted to sell out the WPL 2023 auction.
For the WPL 2023, a total of 87 players from around the globe have been signed. Nonetheless, despite significant signings, some well-known players were unable to impress the franchises.
Let’s take a look at the list of prominent overseas players who missed the WPL 2023 auction cut:
Suzie Bates
One of the big names in the auction, the former New Zealand captain, went unsold. Suzie’s former experience with successful teams like the Sydney Sixers and Oval Invincibles would have been a huge asset to any squad. She has participated in 143 games and scored 3820 runs with a strike rate of 109.70 in her T20 international career. Her highest T20I score is 124 not-out.
Laura Wolvaardt
Another well-known player who wasn’t purchased during the auction was the South African batswoman. One of the world’s most seasoned athletes, Laura has represented some of the greatest franchises, including Brisbane Heat and Velocity. Her top score was 66* and she played 51 matches, scoring 965 runs with a strike rate of 107.58.
Dani Wyatt
One of the most seasoned players in the auction, the England all-rounder sadly went unpurchased. One of the world’s most experienced cricketers, Dani has played for some of the top franchises, including Brisbane Heat and Southern Brave. She has played 142 games, totalling 2335 runs with a 125.40 strike rate and a best score of 124.
Chamari Athapaththu
The Sri Lankan all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu was another prominent figure who was not purchased during the auction. In the past, Athapaththu has played for successful teams like Melbourne Renegades and Guyana Amazon Warrior.
Her bowling skills would have benefited whatever club she played for. She is the current captain of Sri Lanka’s women’s T20 international team. In T20Is, she claimed 34 wickets.
Alana King
One of the most astonishing players available at the auction, the Australian all-rounder didn’t sell either. King has successfully led Australia numerous times, and any squad she played on would have benefited from her expertise.
She has a lot going for her because of how well her legs spin. She had a strike rate of 90 with 27 runs in 22 games. She carried 22 wickets in her pocket as well.
Tammy Beaumont
One more into the queue, up for grabs at the auction was the opening batsman for England, but she was also unpurchased. Tammy has successfully guided England to victory on numerous times, and any squad she played on would have benefited from her expertise. She was a Sydney Thunder player. With a strike rate of 108.37 and 1721 runs scored in 99 matches, her top score in the 20-over format is 116.
Sune Luus
The captain of the South African women’s team is Sune Luus. She played for various international t20 league teams and is a great all-around expert. She amassed 1072 runs in 100 games while striking out at an extremely aggressive 104.89 strike rate. She achieved four half centuries. 49 wickets were taken by her in 100 games. Franchises did not put in a bid to buy her despite this outstanding performance.
Lea Tahuhu
Lea Tahuhu, a fast bowler from New Zealand, was another prominent name who failed to sell during the auction. Tahuhu has played for successful teams like Sydney Thunder, and any club would have benefited from her bowling skills. In 75 matches, she took 72 wickets with the highest economy of 5.98.
Sarah Glenn
Sarah Glenn, the leg-spinner for the England women’s squad, was not purchased during the 2023 Women’s Premier League auction. Glenn had previously represented the Perth Scorchers in the WBBL, but no buyers were interested in purchasing her during the auction.
Although Glenn was one of England’s top players in the recently finished T20I World Cup, taking 9 wickets in 6 games, the COVID-19 restrictions that prevented her from playing recent competitive cricket may have contributed to her failure to find a buyer. Glenn must now wait till she has another chance to participate in the Women’s Premier League.
Amy Jones
In the Women’s Premier League Auction 2023, Amy Jones was not purchased. Despite having a base price of INR 50 lakhs ($67,000), no teams showed interest in the English wicket-keeper batswoman during the auction.
Jones had previously participated in the Women’s T20 Challenge for the Velocity team. The 28-year-old has played for England in 71 ODIs and 68 T20Is, amassing 2,099 runs in total in both formats. Jones’ exclusion from the WPL auction is a blow; she will now try to concentrate on her international career and forthcoming England matches.
Katherine Brunt
Katherine Brunt, one of the most successful all-rounders of our time, will miss the WPL 2023 since she, too, was passed over in the WPL auction. She might have failed to attract bidders because of her spotty form. Brunt will have to support her spouse Natalie Sciver from the stands because the latter was, fortunately, able to secure a lump-sum offer from the Mumbai Indians.
Ayabonga Khaka
The star pacer from South Africa, who has established herself as the team’s go-to bowler for all formats, also struggled to find a bid in the WPL auction. She struggled to draw bidders despite her gameplay constantly improving.
Jahanara Alam, Salma Khatun and Shorna Akter
Three Bangladeshi players, including seasoned pacer Jahanara, experienced all-arounder Salma, and young batter Shorna, were auctioned off. The base price for 16-year-old Shorna was Rs 10 lakh, while the base prices for Jahanara and Salma were both Rs 30 lakh. Nevertheless, none of the franchises waved a paddle to entice customers.
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