WPL Auction: Athapaththu, Dottin, Garth among Sizzling Prospects in the Women’s T20 Challenge

As the second Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction edges nearer, all eyes are on the undeniable talent pool ready to be snagged by the participating franchises. A total of 165 players will be in the fray for a spot in the Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. With just 30 slots available, a fierce competition for the crème de la crème of women’s cricket is anticipated.

WPL 2024 Auction LIVE: 165 players, 30 slots, ₹17.65 Cr to play with at mini auction

Mumbai is bracing itself for the blockbuster event, where formidable players such as Chamari Athapaththu, Deandra Dottin, and Kim Garth are expected to be hot picks. As the auction coincides with the second T20I between India and England at the Wankhede Stadium, it is set to be an exhilarating day for cricket enthusiasts.

Today is the BIG DAY! 🙌

How are the 5 teams placed ahead of the #TATAWPLAuction? 🤔

Our auctioneer Mallika Sagar is here with all the deets 😎👇 pic.twitter.com/LEQtjasm5w

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) December 9, 2023

Key Players to Watch Out For

• Chamari Athapaththu: The Sri Lankan all-rounder has left a mark in recent years, particularly for her explosive batting abilities. Athapaththu’s ability to strike the ball with immense power will come in handy for any team needing firepower. She boasts a stellar record, including a 178-run inning against Australia in the Women’s World Cup.

• Deandra Dottin: This Barbadian cricketer has carved her niche as one of the most sought-after all-rounders in the T20 format. Dottin’s impressive strike rate and her knack for taking crucial wickets make her an asset to any team. Her all-round capabilities will undoubtedly be in high demand.

• Kim Garth: The Irish cricketer’s phenomenal rise in the women’s cricket circuit makes her a lucrative prospect. Primarily a medium-fast bowler, she can also contribute significantly with the bat. A consistent performer, Garth can be relied upon to deliver under pressure.

• Mannat Kashyap: At 19, the left-arm spinner has already made her mark as a valuable player. Having been a part of India’s inaugural Under-19 World Cup-winning side, she carries a base price of Rs. 10 lakhs. Kashyap’s ability to bowl tight spells and take wickets at critical moments will be an attractive prospect for teams looking to strengthen their bowling attack.

Excitement all around for a 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗖 occasion 😃👌#TeamIndia are geared up for #TATAWPLAuction happening tomorrow 💪 pic.twitter.com/xTu3aTjcV1

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) December 8, 2023

Auction Schedule 

As for the players, out of 165 players, 61 are overseas players while 15 are from associate nations. In terms of experience, only 56 players are capped with 109 players yet to wear national colours.

2:20 PM IST: Gujarat Giants will go into the auction with the highest purse of Rs 5.95 Cr. But they also have 10 slots to fill after retaining only 8 players.

2:15 PM IST: Annabel Sutherland and Chamari Atapatthu will be the two big names at the auction. Their recent form could force a bidding war.

2:05 PM IST: A reminder, there are only 9 overseas slots to fill and in total 30 spots.

2 PM IST: Hello and welcome to WPL 2024 Auction live coverage. It’s a mini-auction with 165 players in the pot.

Gearing up for the big day 🔨

Are YOU ready❓

Less than 24 hours to go for #TATAWPLAuction 2024⏳ pic.twitter.com/Bwt8XGA01k

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) December 8, 2023

Strategies and Predictions

The WPL auction poses a unique set of challenges for the franchises, given the market dynamics and potential rivalries. Teams need to have a clear, calculated, and flexible approach in bidding for the right mix of players, keeping in mind their strengths and weaknesses.

It is widely speculated that Gujarat Giants, owned by Adani, will be the top spenders in this auction. With the ability to buy 10 players, three of whom can be from overseas, the Giants may aggressively pursue the likes of Athapaththu and Dottin, given their power-hitting capacity and proven T20 prowess. Additionally, the Giants, who finished at the bottom of the table in the inaugural WPL season, will be keen on redeeming themselves in WPL-2 scheduled for February-March.

Other teams, such as the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, may adopt a more conservative approach and focus on young, untested, yet promising talents to bolster their line-ups. With the Mumbai team already boasting of some of the best batsmen in the womens’ game, and Royal Challengers having a well-rounded bowling attack, these teams may choose to supplement these strengths with a few high-quality acquisitions that would help them stay ahead of their competitors.

Regardless of which approach teams adopt for the auction, all eyes will be on what strategies franchises employ when they are able to finalize their rosters for WPL-2. It will be interesting to see if they prioritize their existing players or trust in new talent, and how much importance they give to mindsets over statistics when making their decisions. At Esportport, we’re eagerly anticipating this landmark event and can’t wait to witness how squads shape up when the virtual auction is done and dusted. With innovative new rules, big-name players and a fully digital platform, WPL-2 promises to be an exciting tournament that will set a new benchmark for female cricket. We are sure it won’t disappoint!