The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction held in Bengaluru has once again captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts, painting a vivid picture of the league’s evolving strategy and vision. This year’s auction was marked by a significant shift towards investing in young, uncapped talent alongside established stars, reflecting a broader trend in women’s cricket towards nurturing future stars while maintaining immediate competitiveness.
Auction dynamics and strategy
This year’s auction was characterized by a more calculated approach from the franchises. Teams entered with clear intentions, focusing on filling specific gaps within their squads rather than splurging on big names. The purse management was astute, with teams balancing their bids between seasoned international players and the untapped potential of domestic cricketers.
Youth over experience?
One of the standout features of the WPL 2025 auction was the high premium placed on young Indian players. Several uncapped players fetched prices that were not only surprising but also indicated a long-term investment by the franchises in building a robust base of home-grown talent. The 16-year-old G. Kamalini from Tamil Nadu was one of the auction’s big surprises, highlighting MI’s investment in youth.
Also READ: All you need to know about G. Kamalini: 16-year-old prodigy fetched a whopping price in WPL 2025 auction
The role of overseas players
While the focus was predominantly on local talent, the auction did see some strategic acquisitions of overseas stars. These signings were, however, more measured than in previous auctions, with teams opting for players who could offer multiple skills – from batting to bowling or even keeping. Deandra Dottin was roped in by Gujarat Giants for INR 1.70 crore. Despite previous season’s controversy, Dottin’s return to the Giants underlines her importance as an all-rounder.
Full list of sold players
| Player Name | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Simran Shaikh | Rs 1.90 crore | Gujarat Giants |
| Deandra Dottin | Rs 1.70 crore | Gujarat Giants |
| G Kamalini | Rs 1.60 crore | Mumbai Indians |
| Prema Rawat | Rs 1.2 crore | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| N Charani | Rs 55 lakh | Delhi Capitals |
| Nadine De Klerk | Rs 30 lakh | Mumbai Indians |
| Danielle Gibson | Rs 30 lakh | Gujarat Giants |
| Alana King | Rs 30 lakh | UP Warriorz |
| Akshita Maheshwari | Rs 20 lakh | Mumbai Indians |
| Nandini Kashyap | Rs 10 lakh | Delhi Capitals |
| Arushi Goes | Rs 10 lakh | UP Warriorz |
| Kranti Goud | Rs 10 lakh | UP Warriorz |
| Sanskriti Gupta | Rs 10 lakh | Mumbai Indians |
| Joshitha VJ | Rs 10 lakh | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Sarah Bryce | Rs 10 lakh | Delhi Capitals |
| Raghvi Bist | Rs 10 lakh | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Jagravi Pawar | Rs 10 lakh | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Niki Prasad | Rs 10 lakh | Delhi Capitals |
| Prakashika Naik | Rs 10 lakh | Gujarat Giants |
Also READ: All you need to know about 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray: From idolizing Ellyse Perry to excelling in various sports
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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