On This Day: Smriti Mandhana Became the Costliest Pick at the Historic WPL 2023 Auction
On this day in 2023, Mumbai witnessed a defining chapter in cricket history as the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction unfolded with unprecedented drama, ambition and financial muscle. The event did not merely allocate players to franchises; it announced the commercial arrival of women’s franchise cricket on a global scale.
At the centre of the spectacle was Smriti Mandhana, who became the most expensive player of the auction. Bought for ₹3.4 crore (approximately $415,000) by Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mandhana’s signing symbolised both her star power and the league’s intent to build around marquee Indian names. As one of India’s most stylish and consistent batters, her valuation reflected not just cricketing skill but marketability and leadership appeal.
RCB’s aggressive strategy didn’t stop there. They secured Australian allrounder Ellyse Perry for $207,000 and young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh for $232,000, assembling a blend of experience and youth aimed at immediate competitiveness.
The overseas market saw even fiercer bidding wars. Australian allrounder Ashleigh Gardner secured a $390,000 deal with Gujarat Giants, while England’s premier allrounder Nat Sciver-Brunt matched that figure after being picked up by Mumbai Indians. Their identical price tags underlined the premium placed on genuine allrounders in T20 cricket players capable of influencing matches with both bat and ball.
Indian allrounder Deepti Sharma was acquired by UP Warriorz for $317,000, reinforcing her reputation as one of India’s most reliable multi-dimensional cricketers. Meanwhile, Jemimah Rodrigues ($268,000) and Shafali Verma($244,000) headed to Delhi Capitals, alongside India captain Harmanpreet Kaur ($220,000). Delhi further strengthened their squad by signing Australian captain Meg Lanning and South African allrounder Marizanne Kapp, building one of the tournament’s most formidable line-ups.
Interestingly, not all big names fetched massive sums. Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy went to UP Warriorz for $85,000, while New Zealand star Sophie Devine joined RCB for $61,000, deals widely viewed as bargains given their pedigree.
Beyond individual contracts, the auction signified a turning point. It validated years of advocacy for greater investment in women’s cricket and created financial benchmarks comparable to established global leagues. The WPL’s birth demonstrated the BCCI’s commercial confidence and opened pathways for emerging players to dream bigger.
Looking back, this day stands as a watershed moment, when women’s cricket stepped decisively into the mainstream spotlight. The 2023 WPL auction didn’t just distribute contracts; it rewrote perceptions, redefined value, and reshaped the professional future of the women’s game.
At the centre of the spectacle was Smriti Mandhana, who became the most expensive player of the auction. Bought for ₹3.4 crore (approximately $415,000) by Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mandhana’s signing symbolised both her star power and the league’s intent to build around marquee Indian names. As one of India’s most stylish and consistent batters, her valuation reflected not just cricketing skill but marketability and leadership appeal.
RCB’s aggressive strategy didn’t stop there. They secured Australian allrounder Ellyse Perry for $207,000 and young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh for $232,000, assembling a blend of experience and youth aimed at immediate competitiveness.
The overseas market saw even fiercer bidding wars. Australian allrounder Ashleigh Gardner secured a $390,000 deal with Gujarat Giants, while England’s premier allrounder Nat Sciver-Brunt matched that figure after being picked up by Mumbai Indians. Their identical price tags underlined the premium placed on genuine allrounders in T20 cricket players capable of influencing matches with both bat and ball.
Indian allrounder Deepti Sharma was acquired by UP Warriorz for $317,000, reinforcing her reputation as one of India’s most reliable multi-dimensional cricketers. Meanwhile, Jemimah Rodrigues ($268,000) and Shafali Verma($244,000) headed to Delhi Capitals, alongside India captain Harmanpreet Kaur ($220,000). Delhi further strengthened their squad by signing Australian captain Meg Lanning and South African allrounder Marizanne Kapp, building one of the tournament’s most formidable line-ups.
Interestingly, not all big names fetched massive sums. Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy went to UP Warriorz for $85,000, while New Zealand star Sophie Devine joined RCB for $61,000, deals widely viewed as bargains given their pedigree.
Beyond individual contracts, the auction signified a turning point. It validated years of advocacy for greater investment in women’s cricket and created financial benchmarks comparable to established global leagues. The WPL’s birth demonstrated the BCCI’s commercial confidence and opened pathways for emerging players to dream bigger.
Looking back, this day stands as a watershed moment, when women’s cricket stepped decisively into the mainstream spotlight. The 2023 WPL auction didn’t just distribute contracts; it rewrote perceptions, redefined value, and reshaped the professional future of the women’s game.
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