India’s star opener, Smriti Mandhana, has become the most expensive player at the ongoing player auctions for the Women’s Premier League. The 26-year-old batsmen broke the bank early being bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹3.4 crore.
However, Indian skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, who was another coveted player went for much cheaper – sold to Mumbai Indians for ₹1.8 crore.
30-year-old English all-rounder, Nat Sciver, is the second most expensive buy so far, signed by Mumbai Indians for ₹3.2 crore.
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Each team had a maximum purse of ₹12 crore to start off with and teams have already broken the banks in some way.
The remaining purse for the teams is as follows:
- Delhi Capitals: ₹6.7 crore
- Gujarat Giants: ₹6.2 crore
- Mumbai Indians: ₹6 crore,
- Royal Challengers Bangalore: ₹4.9 crore
- UP Warriorz: ₹5.2 crore
Experts predict that Mandhana will likely remain the most expensive buy for the auction.
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma became the third most expensive player and the marquee for UP Warriorz, which scooped her in the at ₹2.6 crore.
448 players are up for auction at the inaugural WPL auction in Mumbai, but only between 75 and 90 players will secure spots. The five franchises can buy a minimum of 15, and a maximum of 18 players.
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