The first-ever auction for the Women's Premier League's much awaited first season turned out to be a significant occasion in Indian cricket history.
Smriti Mandhana, the outstanding batsman for India, made the evening a historic one for women's cricket. The Royal Challengers Bangalore won the 23-year-old at a mouthwatering 3.4 Crore Rupees.
Deepti Sharma, an all-rounder, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur were selected by the UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians for, respectively, 1.8 and 2.6 crore rupees each. Other Indian internationals like these also brought in large money.
Although several talented young cricketers from the U-19 World Cup winning team made their mark on the first offering, the auction wasn't only about the seasoned veterans.
SOLD
Shafali Verma, the captain of the team that won the age division championship, was the talk of the capital after being signed by the Delhi Capitals for the astronomical sum of Rupees 2 crores. The franchise also paid 25 lakh rupees to get the services of seamer Titas Sadhu.
Shweta Sherawat, the vice-captain of the squad that won the international trophy, was signed by the Capri Global-owned UP Warriorz for 40 lakh Rupees. Parshavi Chopra was also purchased by the team for Rupees 10 lakhs.
In addition to captain Shafali, the only other player with international experience on the side that won the age-category championship was wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for an astonishing sum of 1.9 crore rupees.
Hurley Gala and Shabnam Shakil were acquired by Gujarat Giants for 10 lakh rupees each from the historic team.
Sonam Yadav, 15, joined the Mumbai Indians at the cost of ten lakh rupees.
UNSOLD:
Slow left-arm spinner Mannat Kashyap, wicketkeeper-batter Hrishita Basu, and middle-order batsman Soumya Tiwari were the members of the U-19 championship-winning side who were not sold.
The skilled right-arm spinner Archana Devi, the medium pacer Falak Naz, the batter Soniya Mendhiya, and the opener Gongadi Trisha all failed to find takers.
