A Deep Dive into the Upcoming WPL Season
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is back for its second season, promising a thrilling spectacle that cricket fans across the nation eagerly await. Let’s dissect the key aspects and get you fully prepped for the upcoming action.The WPL has gained prominence as one of the premier women’s cricket leagues globally, providing a platform for skilled players to shine and elevating the status of women’s cricket.
New Venues, Same Excitement
Unlike the last edition, which unfolded entirely in Mumbai, WPL 2024 is set to paint the cricket canvas in Bengaluru and New Delhi. The iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium will host the initial 11 clashes, while the latter half, including the all-important eliminator and final, will unfold at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla.
Unchanged Format, Yet Undeniable Thrill
The format remains consistent with last year – 22 matches, each team facing the others twice. The table-toppers secure a direct berth in the final, while the second and third-placed teams battle it out in the eliminator.
Following the much-anticipated clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians and last season’s runners-up Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore will commence their campaign against UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants will lock horns with Mumbai on day three.
The Game Plan – Timings and More
All matches are scheduled to kick off at 7.30 pm IST, a cricketing rendezvous for fans nationwide. This time around, there are no double-headers, ensuring that each fixture gets the spotlight it deserves.
Auction Dramas and Surprises
The auctions paved the way for some surprising turns. Uncapped gems Kashvee Gautam and Vrinda Dinesh raised eyebrows, pocketing bids of INR 2 crore (Giants) and INR 1.3 crore (Warriorz), respectively. However, Gautam’s sidelining due to injury adds an unexpected twist to the tale.
The overseas market witnessed its own drama, with Annabel Sutherland becoming the costliest foreign pick at INR 2 crore (Capitals), and Shabnim Ismail securing a bid of INR 1.2 crore from Mumbai. Young talent Phoebe Litchfield, making her maiden WPL appearance, fetched a handsome bid of INR 1 crore from Giants.
Highs, Lows, and Replacements
Chamari Athapaththu, initially facing exclusion for the second consecutive season, found a new home with Warriorz as a replacement for England’s Lauren Bell. Notable exclusions included Australia’s Kim Garth and the West Indies’ Deandra Dottin. On the Indian front, Devika Vaidya went unnoticed in the auctions.
Injuries and health concerns also played a role, with Lauren Cheatle withdrawing due to skin cancer treatment, replaced by New Zealand veteran Lea Tahuhu. Kashvee Gautam and Kanika Ahuja bowed out due to injuries, replaced by Sayali Satghare and Shradda Pokharkar, respectively.
Captaincy Continuity, Coaching Changes
While the five captains – Harmanpreet Kaur (Mumbai), Meg Lanning (Capitals), Smriti Mandhana (RCB), Alyssa Healy (Warriorz), and Beth Mooney (Giants) – retain their positions, coaching dynamics witnessed some shifts. Giants bid farewell to Rachael Haynes, welcoming former Australian batter Michael Klinger as the head coach. Luke Williams takes over as RCB’s head coach from Ben Sawyer.
Global Mix – Australia Takes Center Stage
Australia dominates the international representation with a whopping 13 players, including three captains. Capitals lead the way with four Australians in their squad, while Giants, Warriorz, and RCB have three each. Interestingly, Mumbai stands as the lone team without an Australian player. England and South Africa follow closely with six and five players, respectively.
Recognizing Stars – WPL 2023 Break Out Stars
Saika Ishaque of Mumbai and Shreyanka Patil of RCB emerged as breakout stars from WPL 2023, earning spots in the Indian national team. Acknowledging their rise, the BCCI has ensured an upgraded WPL contract for players capped between the two seasons, with Ishaque and Patil now earning INR 30 lakh, a significant leap from their base price of INR 10 lakh.
