Phoebe Litchfield’s million-dollar deal: Gujarat Giants win big in WPL 2024

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NEW DELHI, Dec 9: Annabel Sutherland and Kashvee Gautam were anticipated to be noteworthy figures in the 2024 auction, and predictions held true as both players found themselves in intense bidding wars. Annabel Sutherland, the talented 22-year-old Australian all-rounder, recently showcased her skills in the Women’s Big Bash League, earning a spot in the tournament’s team of the season. Delhi Capitals secured her services in a competitive bidding war, ultimately splurging Rs 2 crore for the dynamic fast-bowling all-rounder.

Similarly, the spotlight turned to young and uncapped Indian all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, sparking a bidding war between Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz. In a fierce back-and-forth, Gujarat Giants emerged victorious, securing Kashvee’s talents for a premium of Rs 2 crore. This landmark acquisition made her the most expensive uncapped player in the tournament’s history.

Kashvee Gautam, a 20-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder, has been making waves in women’s cricket, despite her youth. Notably, she etched her name in the records of women’s cricket by achieving a hat-trick for Chandigarh in the women’s domestic U19 competition against rivals Arunachal Pradesh during an exhilarating one-day match.

Vrinda Dinesh, the former record-holder for the title of the most expensive uncapped player, briefly held the distinction before Kashvee Gautam claimed it. Vrinda made history as the first uncapped player in the tournament to command a price tag exceeding Rs 1 crore, with UP Warriorz securing her services for Rs 1.3 crore.

Emerging as a rising talent in Karnataka’s cricket scene over the past two years, Vrinda Dinesh consistently showcased her skills in the women’s circuit. Her journey began with an introduction to top-flight cricket as a member of the India Under-23 squad during the ACC Emerging Teams Cup in Hong Kong. Despite not being initially selected, her exceptional performances in warm-up matches garnered attention. Subsequently, owing to the injury of fast bowler S Yashasri, Vrinda earned a well-deserved call-up to the squad.

Shabnim Ismail, the renowned South African fast bowler, secured the position as the third-highest-priced player in the recent WPL auction. Defending champions Mumbai Indians successfully outbid Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Giants to acquire Shabnim Ismail’s services for Rs 1.2 crore during the 2024 auction.

Having debuted for Western Province at the age of 17, Ismail swiftly climbed the ranks, making her international debut for South Africa in January 2007 against Pakistan. She went on to become South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in both ODIs and T20Is. Celebrated as one of the fastest female bowlers globally, Ismail is known for her impressive speeds, reaching up to 128 km/h (80 mph).

Phoebe Litchfield, the opening player to be auctioned at WPL 2024, secured a lucrative deal with Gujarat Giants, earning Rs 1 crore. Litchfield is a key player for Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League and holds the record for the joint-fastest fifty in WT20Is, achieving it in just 18 balls, a feat she shares with Sophie Devine.

Ekta Bisht, the Indian spinner, emerged as the fifth-highest earner in the mini-auction. Royal Challengers Bangalore successfully acquired her for Rs 60 lakh. Bisht gained recognition for her exceptional performance, achieving the first-ever T20I hat-trick for India in women’s cricket back in 2019.

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