Thailand, South Africa and Zimbabwe confirm their participation in the WPL player auction

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According to various media reports, the Women’s Premier League player auctions are expected to take place on February 10 in Mumbai.

South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt played for Velocity in the 2022 Women’s T20 Challenge. (Image: BCCI-IPL)

New Delhi: Thailand, South Africa and Zimbabwe have confirmed their participation in the first Women’s Premier League (WPL) auctions on Sunday. According to various media reports, the WPL auctions are expected to take place on February 10th.

“I did,” Zimbabwe captain Mary-Anne Musonda told India.com exclusively on Sunday when asked if she had signed up for the WPL auction. When asked if there are more from the country, Musonda said, “Yes, I think a few more,” without naming them.

Meanwhile, a source close to the Thailand women’s team confirmed that at least four to five players have submitted their names for the much-anticipated auction. “Yes, they have. I don’t know the names. Shipping is through the club. I think it’s 4-5,” the source said on conditions of anonymity.

On January 25, BCCI announced five successful bidders for the first WPL. The Adani Group (INR 1.289 billion) bought the Ahmedabad franchise while Capri Global (INR 7.57 billion) bought the Lucknow franchise.

Three IPL franchises Mumbai Indians (INR 912.99 crore), Royal Challengers Bangalore (INR 901 crore) and Delhi Capitals (INR 810 crore) also bought franchises. The Adani Group has already dubbed their team the Gujarat Giants and named former Indian captain Mithali Raj as their mentor and advisor.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that they have offered coaching roles for the WPL to former India Pacer Jhulan Goswami and former India Women’s Head Coach WV Raman.

Thailand is not new to women’s franchise cricket in India. Their star batter, Natthakan Chantam, previously competed in the Women’s T20 Challenge, run by the BCCI for four seasons before the WPL was officially announced.

Chantam played for Trailblazers in the 2020 Women’s T20 Challenge League, becoming the first Thai player in the league and winning the title. She played for Velocity last year. Meanwhile, a spokesman for Cricket South Africa confirmed a number of players have signed up for the auction.

“Yes, some players signed up, but because it’s their prerogative, they do it of their own accord. There is no official information, but most of the experienced national players have signed up,” said the spokesman of this website.

When asked who the players were, the person added: “Definitely all the players who played in the T20 competition in India last year.” Last year, the South African players who played were Sune Luus, Ayabonga Khaka and Laura Wolvaardt participated in the Women’s T20 Challenge.

Release Date: January 29, 2023 3:40 PM IST

Date updated: January 29, 2023 3:41 PM IST