WPL Auction 2025: Simran Shaikh Leads the Bidding Frenzy as Sneh Rana Remains Unsold

This was the first day of auctions for all teams in Bengaluru to complete their roster for the Women’s Premier League in 2025. Simran Shaikh’s signing as the highest-bidding auction player at the auction was one among many other striking moments.

Though some players were ecstatic about the life-changing bids, others, like experienced Indian all-rounder Sneh Rana, did not have such a great day.

Five teams competed for the best lot, and 120 players filled 19 positions. This auction reflected the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket, which promises much excitement for the season to come.

Simran Shaikh’s Record-Breaking Bid

The dominant one in which starred is Simran Shaikh, a cricketer of Mumbai, who was picked up by the Gujarat Giants for a record of ₹1.90 crore. This 22-year old middle-order batter has scored for the country and is now showing great strides, especially after her performances with UP Warriorz in the 2023 season. She has accumulated 176 runs in 11 Matches for Mumbai at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 100.57.

It was this bidding war where Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants fought it out for Simran that ultimately marked her name in record books. Her signing underlines the growing importance of Indian domestic players in the WPL and how they can shape this competition.

Deandra Dottin Headlines International Signings

Among the foreigners, Windies all-rounder Deandra Dottin became the costliest buy. Gujarat Giants bagged Dottin’s services for ₹1.70 crores. An X-factor, thanks to her big-hitting ability, having played 132 WT20Is and starting at a base price of ₹50 lakhs. Giants retained the faith despite not being a part of the 2023 season as medical complications ruled her out.

Rising Stars Shine at the Auction

The main focus during this year’s auction was on young talent. Sixteen-year-old wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini, who impressed recently with a match-winning 44 against Pakistan at the U19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup, was signed by Mumbai Indians for ₹1.60 crore.

While one such rising star, Prema Rawat found a home for ₹1.20 crore at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Delhi Capitals then strengthened the ranks by acquiring the promising Irish players Sarah Bryce, Niki Prasad, Captain of India U19 team, and N Charani at ₹55 lakh each.

Strengthening the Rosters

Teams utilized the auction well to plug gaps in their line-ups and infuse their teams with new talent: Gujarat Giants, having fared last in the previous two seasons of the league, roped in England’s Danielle Gibson along with Prakashika Naik.

The Mumbai Indians added depth to their squad with the signing of South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk, along with Akshita Maheshwari and Sanskriti Gupta. UP Warriorz signed Australian leg-spinner Alana King to strengthen their bowling attack, along with the inclusion of Indian players Arushi Goel and Kranti Goud.

Sneh Rana’s Omission Sparks Debate

The absence of any bids for the experienced Indian all-rounder Sneh Rana was one of the major surprises of the auction. Even though she has been leading Gujarat Giants in the inaugural season of the WPL, her recent form may have contributed to her going unsold. The decision has raised discussions on the shifting dynamics of team strategies in women’s cricket.

Looking Ahead

The auction was a reflection of the growing popularity and investment in women’s cricket, and it indeed promises a lot for the fans in this season of the WPL. Now that teams are finalized, all eyes will be on the preparations leading to what looks to be an exciting tournament. As the competition unfolds, it will be thrilling to watch favorite stars and rising talents. Those who want to catch every moment can “watch live cricket for free” on Winexch and see the changing dimensions of the game.

With players like Simran Shaikh, the charge is being continued in the WPL with the depth of talent that women’s cricket possesses. Some call the legends of the sport the “godfathers of cricket” since their impact motivates youngsters to work towards becoming great.

FAQ

• Who was the most expensive buy at the WPL 2025 auctions?

Simran Shaikh became the highest-valued buy when Gujarat Giants bought her for ₹1.90 crore.

• Who was the costliest international?

West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin fetched the highest price for an international cricketer – ₹1.70 crore.

• Why did Sneh Rana not find any taker?

Experience and past captaincy record did little to help Sneh Rana, who didn’t have a good recent past.

• Which team invested most significantly in young players?

Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals had high investments in youngsters like G Kamalini and Niki Prasad.

• Where do the fans watch the live games of WPL?

The “watch live cricket for free” option on Winexch will help the fans view the WPL action.