The WPL 2025 auction in Bengaluru was a spectacle, with franchises locking horns over marquee names and emerging talents. Yet, like every auction, it also had its share of unexpected surprises. A few prominent names, including experienced internationals and promising young players, failed to attract bids, leaving fans and analysts stunned.
In this article, we explore the Top 5 Unsold Players who missed out on contracts in the latest Women’s Premier League auction.
1) Heather Knight
The absence of a bid for Heather Knight, one of England’s most seasoned cricketers, raised eyebrows. Registering her name at a base price of ₹50 lakhs, Knight’s vast experience and recent performances seemed to make her a sure-shot pick.
The English skipper had a decent outing in the inaugural WPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), scoring 135+ runs and picking up 4 wickets. She continued to shine in franchise cricket, leading the London Spirit to their first-ever title in The Hundred 2024 and delivering standout performances for the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL.
Despite her proven track record as a leader and all-rounder, Knight went unsold, leaving many to wonder if franchise squads were prioritizing other skill sets or focusing on younger players.
2) Sneh Rana
India’s off-spinning all-rounder Sneh Rana, a familiar face in the WPL, also went unsold. Having represented Gujarat Giants in the past two editions and even captaining the side, Rana’s release by the Giants ahead of this season hinted at potential challenges.
In her WPL career so far, Rana managed only 6 wickets in 12 matches, which might explain why franchises overlooked her this time. Despite her abilities as a steady bowler and lower-order batter, her performances didn’t meet expectations. This, coupled with strong competition among Indian spinners, might have contributed to her going unsold.
3) Lauren Bell
England’s rising fast-bowling star Lauren Bell also missed out on a WPL contract. Registering herself at a base price of ₹30 lakhs, Bell has shown immense promise on the international stage. However, her performance in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup—just one wicket in two matches—may have deterred franchises.
No bid for Lauren Bell in the first round. 💔#CricketTwitter #WPLAuction #WPL2025 pic.twitter.com/l2TQqnA2EY
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 15, 2024
Additionally, most franchises seemed to prioritize filling their overseas slots with experienced all-rounders or explosive batters, leaving limited room for foreign pacers. Nevertheless, Bell remains one of England’s most exciting talents, and her exclusion surprised many cricket enthusiasts.
4) Lizelle Lee
The former South African opener Lizelle Lee was another shocking omission from the WPL squads. Known for her aggressive batting at the top of the order, Lee boasts an impressive franchise cricket resume, including stellar stints in the WBBL and The Hundred.
Lee’s recent performances were nothing short of exceptional. In the 2024 WBBL, she smashed back-to-back centuries for the Hobart Hurricanes, underlining her prowess. Yet, despite these achievements, Lee failed to attract a bid.
Her exclusion may stem from franchises prioritizing younger players or concerns about her fitness and adaptability in high-paced T20 leagues. Regardless, her absence will be felt by fans who love her attacking style of play.
5) Poonam Yadav
Veteran Indian leg-spinner Poonam Yadav, the country’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, went unsold—a decision that left fans puzzled.
Poonam, who represented the Delhi Capitals in the inaugural WPL season, played only three matches and hasn’t been part of India’s T20I squad since 2022. Her lack of recent international exposure might have raised concerns about her ability to compete at the highest level in a fast-evolving T20 format.
Despite these factors, Yadav’s reputation as a crafty spinner with a unique trajectory could have made her a valuable pick, especially for teams needing variety in their bowling attack. However, franchises seemed to lean towards younger options this time around.
The WPL 2025 auction reiterated that cricket is a dynamic sport where reputation alone isn’t enough. With franchises focusing on squad balance, fitness, adaptability, and recent performances, even seasoned players like Heather Knight and Sneh Rana found themselves without a team.
While these unsold players might feel the sting of rejection, the unpredictability of auctions ensures they’ll have opportunities in future seasons to make a comeback. For now, they serve as a reminder of the intense competition and evolving priorities in women’s cricket leagues.
FAQs
1. Why did Heather Knight go unsold in the WPL 2025 auction?
Heather Knight registered at a base price of ₹50 lakhs but went unsold despite her proven credentials. Teams may have prioritized younger talents or other skill sets over her experience.
2. How many players went unsold in the WPL 2025 auction?
Several players went unsold, including notable names like Heather Knight, Sneh Rana, Lauren Bell, Lizelle Lee, and Poonam Yadav.
3. Why did Sneh Rana fail to attract a bid?
Sneh Rana’s performance in previous WPL seasons, where she took only 6 wickets in 12 matches, may have influenced franchises’ decisions, along with the availability of other spinners.
4. What could be the reason behind Lizelle Lee going unsold?
Despite her stellar WBBL performance in 2024, Lizelle Lee may have been overlooked due to fitness concerns or a focus on younger batters by franchises.
5. Will unsold players have another chance to join teams?
Unsold players might have opportunities to join teams as replacements during the season in case of injuries or withdrawals.
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