In an exciting development for fans of women’s cricket, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India is gearing up for its second season, and it promises to be a spectacle of epic proportions. The stage is set, and the spotlight is shining brightly on the talent that has been retained by various franchises. Let’s dive into the roster updates for the upcoming 2024 season.
Mumbai Indians: Nat Sciver-Brunt & Issy Wong – A Winning Combination
Mumbai Indians, the reigning champions who clinched the inaugural T20 title, are not letting go of their star performers. All-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt and fast bowler Issy Wong, who played pivotal roles in Mumbai Indians’ success, will be donning the blue jersey once again. Sciver-Brunt’s heroics included a match-winning 60 not out in the final, while Wong proved to be a wicket-taking sensation with 15 scalps in the previous season.
Delhi Capitals: Alice Capsey & Heather Knight – Unwavering Allure
Delhi Capitals are keeping their faith in two English stars. All-rounder Alice Capsey, a versatile talent, and the dynamic England captain and batter Heather Knight will continue to represent the franchise. Their experience and expertise will be vital for Delhi Capitals’ quest for glory.
UP Warriorz: Lauren Bell & Sophie Ecclestone – Bowling Brilliance
The UP Warriorz are bolstering their bowling attack with the retention of seamer Lauren Bell and spinner Sophie Ecclestone. Ecclestone, who finished the previous season with the joint-highest wicket tally, will be a key asset for the team. With 16 wickets in nine matches, she is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
Gujarat Giants’ Shakeup – Sophia Dunkley’s Departure
In a somewhat surprising move, the Gujarat Giants, who finished at the bottom of the previous season’s standings, have decided to part ways with all-rounder Sophia Dunkley. This marks a significant change for the Giants, as they released 11 players in total, creating 10 available slots for the upcoming season. However, it’s worth noting that they’ve retained Australia pair Ash Gardner and Beth Mooney, suggesting a potential rebuilding phase.
High Price, High Expectations – The Valuable Picks
Nat Sciver-Brunt, the second-highest run-scorer in the 2023 edition, raised eyebrows at last year’s WPL auction when she was bought for around £320,000. This made her one of the most expensive players in the league, sharing the honor with Australia all-rounder Ash Gardner. The price tag reflects the high expectations and anticipation surrounding these talented players.
Mumbai Indians Eyeing Repeat Success
Mumbai Indians are hoping to carry forward their momentum from the last season when they beat Delhi Capitals in the final. The WPL, launched as the women’s equivalent to the men’s Indian Premier League (IPL), promises to continue delivering thrilling cricket action.
The stage is set for another season of electrifying women’s cricket, and it will be fascinating to see how these English stars, along with the rest of the league, compete for glory. As the countdown to the 2024 Women’s Premier League begins, cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s Premier League Retentions
Q: Who are the standout England players retained by Women’s Premier League franchises for the 2024 season?
A: Notable England players retained include all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt and fast bowler Issy Wong with reigning champions Mumbai Indians. Delhi Capitals kept all-rounder Alice Capsey, and England captain Heather Knight stays with Royal Challengers Bangalore. UP Warriorz have retained seamer Lauren Bell and spinner Sophie Ecclestone.
Q: Why did the Gujarat Giants release all-rounder Sophia Dunkley, and what changes did they make?
A: The Gujarat Giants released Sophia Dunkley and made a significant overhaul, releasing a total of 11 players. This move marks a substantial change in their roster, creating 10 available slots for the upcoming season. However, they retained Australia pair Ash Gardner and Beth Mooney.
Q: Who were the top performers from the previous Women’s Premier League season?
A: Nat Sciver-Brunt was the second-highest run-scorer in the 2023 season, while Sophie Ecclestone finished with the joint-highest wicket tally, taking 16 wickets in nine matches. Issy Wong closely followed with 15 wickets. These performances made them standout stars in the league.
Q: What is the significance of Nat Sciver-Brunt’s high price at the WPL auction?
A: Nat Sciver-Brunt was bought for approximately £320,000 at last year’s WPL auction, making her one of the most expensive players alongside Australia all-rounder Ash Gardner. This high price reflects the high expectations and anticipation surrounding these talented players.
Q: What was the outcome of the 2023 Women’s Premier League final?
A: In the 2023 Women’s Premier League final, Mumbai Indians emerged victorious, defeating Delhi Capitals in a thrilling contest. The Women’s Premier League, launched as the women’s equivalent to the men’s Indian Premier League (IPL), continues to provide exciting cricket action.
More about Women’s Premier League Retentions
- Official Women’s Premier League Website
- Mumbai Indians Official Website
- Delhi Capitals Official Website
- UP Warriorz Official Website
- Gujarat Giants Official Website
- Sophia Dunkley Profile
- Ash Gardner Profile
- Beth Mooney Profile
3 comments
Yay! Excitin’ news ’bout WPL 2024 season. England stars stayin’ put, Mumbai champs keepin’ their heroes.
Gujarat Giants did a big shakeup, Sophia Dunkley leavin’, 11 players gone, 10 new spots, woa!
Sophie Ecclestone’s on fire, 16 wickets, wow, and Sciver-Brunt cost a big pile o’ cash at the auction.