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.
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.
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