WPL Auction: 409 players from around the world to go under hammer

The world of women's cricket is set to witness a groundbreaking event with the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) Auction, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Scheduled to commence in March 2023, the WPL Auction has already generated significant buzz, with 409 players from 15 countries vying for a spot in this historic league. In this article, we will delve into the details of this highly anticipated event, from the auction process to the participating players and the league's format.

The Countdown to the Auction
On 13th February 2023, the Jio Convention Center in Mumbai will serve as the battleground for the WPL Auction. The anticipation is palpable as 1525 registrations were received from players worldwide. After a meticulous selection process, 246 players from India and 163 overseas players made it to the final list. Among them are some of the most prominent names in women's cricket, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Sophie Ecclestone, Sophie Devine, and Deandra Dottin.

The Auction Process
With a base price of INR 50 Lakh (USD 60,400 approx.), these players are ready to go under the hammer. It is interesting to note that out of the 24 players who have set their base price at the highest, 10 are Indian players, while the remaining 14 are overseas players. Additionally, 30 players have listed their base price at 30 Lakh. The presence of these talented individuals promises an intense bidding war during the auction.

WPL Auction Table

Global Participation
The WPL Auction is truly a global affair, with players from various cricket-playing nations making it to the final auction list. Apart from India, the list includes players from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. Moreover, the inclusion of eight players from UAE, Hong Kong, Thailand, Netherlands, and the USA adds further diversity to the talent pool.

Franchise Dynamics
Five franchises will be vying for the top talents in the WPL Auction. Each team will have a budget of INR 12 Cr to assemble their squad, which is relatively smaller compared to the Indian Premier League's (IPL) budget of approximately INR 95 Cr. However, this limitation will only add to the strategic aspect of the auction, as teams will need to make shrewd decisions to secure the best players within their budget.

The teams will be allowed to have a squad size ranging from 15 to 18 players, with the provision to include up to 6 overseas players. This flexibility will enable the franchises to create a balanced combination of local and international talent. With a maximum of 90 players up for grabs, the auction promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts.

The Roadmap to Glory
The WPL's inaugural season is scheduled to take place from March 4th to 26th, 2023. All 22 matches will be hosted in Mumbai, with the Brabourne Stadium and the DY Patil Stadium serving as the venues. As the teams battle it out on the field, they will not only compete for the coveted trophy but also for substantial prize money. The victorious team will be rewarded with INR 6 Cr, while the runner-up will receive INR 3 Cr. Even the last-placed team will not go empty-handed, as they will be awarded a prize money of INR 1 Cr.

The Impact on Women's Cricket
The WPL Auction is poised to be a game-changer for women's cricket, providing a platform for players from across the globe to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. This landmark event signifies the growing recognition and support for women's cricket, empowering female athletes and inspiring a new generation of players.

The league's format, with its emphasis on talent acquisition and competitive bidding, mirrors the excitement and glamour of its male counterpart, the Indian Premier League. By creating a dedicated space for women's cricket, the BCCI has taken a significant step towards promoting gender equality in the sport and fostering its overall growth.

Conclusion
As the WPL Auction draws near, the anticipation continues to build. With an impressive lineup of players, a competitive auction process, and attractive prize money, the league promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The WPL Auction is not just an event; it is a testament to the progress and potential of women's cricket. As fans, let us eagerly await the start of this historic league and celebrate the incredible talent that will grace the cricketing stage.