Harmanpreet: For all of us, WPL is a game-changer

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, signed with Mumbai Indians on Monday at the first-ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction for Rs 1.8 crore. Harmanpreet, who is renowned for her aggressive style of batting and slow off-spin, was the second bidder and the first purchase for the Mumbai franchise. Royal Challengers Bangalore and MI engaged in a brief bidding war, but MI finally prevailed. The crowd erupted in cheers as the bidding was over while Harmanpreet and her India teammates were watching the auction.

In the first Women’s Premier League auctions, Smriti Mandhana stole the show as Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Mumbai Indians in a bidding battle to get her for Rs 3.40 crore.

The all-around player Deepti Sharma, who was acquired by UP Warriorz for Rs 2.6 crore, is the second most expensive Indian player thus far.

“Mandhana and Perry are well-known to everyone; we were really adamant about getting them. We are overjoyed to have such excellent players. Getting Mandhana, Perry, and Devine is a dream outcome for us “RCB Director of Cricket Mike Hesson made this statement during a press conference.

Star Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry was purchased by RCB for a cool Rs 1.70 crore (USD 205,000), and Sophie Devine, the captain of New Zealand, was acquired for a pittance at a base price of Rs 50 lakh.

Out of a total budget of Rs 12 crore, RCB has already spent Rs 5.60 crore. To meet the required squad size of 15 players, they must purchase another 12 players with the remaining Rs 6.40 crore.

For Rs 1.80 crore, UP Warriorz have acquired left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone of England.