Smriti Mandhana Breaks Records: Becomes Costliest Player in WPL 2023, Outearns Babar Azam in PSL
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 auction made history as it marked the first time female cricketers had the opportunity to earn substantial amounts of money through their participation in the league. India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was the first player to be auctioned and went on to secure a record-breaking deal, becoming the costliest player in the tournament.
Smriti Mandhana Breaks Records
Mandhana was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for an astonishing 3.40 crore rupees, making her the highest-earning female cricketer in the league. Her earnings were even more impressive when compared to the top male cricketers in the Pakistani Super League (PSL), including the national team skipper Babar Azam. The PSL has a draft system in which platinum players earn a salary of around 1.40 crore rupees, which is significantly less than the salary that Mandhana will earn for playing in the WPL.
RCB was the most active team during the auction, securing the services of some of the top female cricketers, including Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, Sophie Devin, and Ellyse Perry. The team spent a significant amount of money to acquire these players, with Renuka being signed for 1.5 crore rupees, Perry for 1.7 crore rupees, and Richa Ghosh for 1.9 crore rupees. Mike Hesson, RCB’s director of cricket, expressed his excitement about the new additions and stated that Mandhana is highly likely to lead the team in the tournament.
Top Female Cricketers Sign with Different Teams
The WPL 2023 auction saw some of India’s top female cricketers being signed by different teams, including Deepti Sharma (picked up by UP Warriorz for 2.6 crore rupees), Jemima Rodrigues (picked up by Delhi Capitals for 2.2 crore rupees), Shafali Verma (picked up by Delhi Capitals for 2 crore rupees), and Pooja Vastrakar (picked up by Mumbai Indians for 1.9 crore rupees).
Exciting Showcase of Women’s Cricketing Talent
The tournament is set to take place in Mumbai from March 4 to 26 and promises to be an exciting showcase of women’s cricketing talent. The WPL 2023 auction is a significant step towards the growth and recognition of women’s cricket and is sure to have a positive impact on the sport.
The WPL 2023 auction was a historic event in the world of women’s cricket, with top female cricketers being offered lucrative deals and the recognition they deserve. The tournament is expected to be a showcase of the best talent in the sport and fans can look forward to an exciting display of skills and competitiveness. The WPL 2023 auction is a significant step towards the growth and recognition of women’s cricket, and it will inspire future generations of female cricketers to pursue their dreams.
