Seven ENG Players, Including Knight and Bouchier, Go Unsold at WPL Auction

In the recent Women's Premier League auction, it was reported that seven England players, including captain Heather Knight, top-order batter Maia Bouchier, and fast bowler Lauren Filer, went unsold. Other players such as Lauren Bell, Sophia Dunkley, Paige Scholfield, and leg-spinner Sarah Glenn also failed to secure contracts for the upcoming 2025 season. Conversely, Danielle Gibson was the only England player to sign a deal, joining the Gujarat Giants for £28,000.

Bouchier's omission was particularly notable, as it came just after she celebrated her England Test debut with an impressive century against South Africa. A total of twenty-nine players were competing for the five available overseas spots as the eight WPL franchises worked to finalize their squads for the next tournament.

Ultimately, positions were filled by overseas players, including Deandra Dottin, Nadine de Klerk, Sarah Bryce, and Alana King, who were contracted to the Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz respectively. Despite these omissions, there remains notable English talent still engaged in the league, with Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, and Kate Cross retained after the previous season. Additionally, Danni Wyatt-Hodge transferred to Royal Challengers Bengaluru from UP Warriorz for £27,400 prior to the auction. While the exact dates for the 2025 WPL are yet to be announced, it is expected to commence in late January at the earliest.